COAS Urges Private Sector to Invest in Nigerian Youths, Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on the private sector to invest in the skills, creativity and productive capacity of Nigerian youths to strengthen national security, create jobs and promote local defence manufacturing.
Shaibu made the call on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during a visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) in Ogun State.
He described Nigeria’s youthful population as a major national asset, saying investment in skills development, mentorship and innovation would help young people develop solutions to security challenges while creating employment opportunities and strengthening national resilience.
The COAS stressed that developing local technological capabilities was essential to reducing dependence on foreign imports and building a sustainable domestic defence industry capable of meeting the operational needs of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He added that collaboration between the Nigerian Army, local defence manufacturers and the private sector would accelerate technology development, improve operational effectiveness and strengthen the country’s ability to protect its national interests.
Shaibu commended EPAIL for building a skilled and youthful workforce committed to producing protective equipment for the military and other security agencies. He noted that investment in local manufacturing and human capital development would improve troop protection and operational readiness while supporting industrial growth and technological innovation.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPAIL, Engineer Kola Balogun, commended the COAS for sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country.
Balogun affirmed the company’s capacity to supply protective equipment to troops and highlighted the contributions of its young workforce in developing innovative products tailored to the operational needs of security agencies.
The visit underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to indigenous defence manufacturing and youth development as key elements of national security, with greater cooperation between the military and private sector expected to support technological self-reliance and economic growth.
COAS Urges Private Sector to Invest in Nigerian Youths, Indigenous Defence Manufacturing