COAS Reaffirms Support for Indigenous Defence Manufacturers

COAS Reaffirms Support for Indigenous Defence Manufacturers

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to patronising indigenous defence manufacturers to strengthen operational self-reliance, national security and local defence production.

Shaibu gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during a working visit to the PROFORCE Group office complex in Ogun State, where he highlighted the importance of locally producing armoured vehicles and protective equipment to meet the operational needs of the Nigerian Army.

He commended PROFORCE Group for its innovation and contributions to indigenous defence manufacturing, noting that sustained investment in local production would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, improve equipment availability and help the Army respond effectively to evolving security threats.

The COAS also said the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, would continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for local content development and defence industrialisation.

He stressed that a strong domestic defence industry was essential to national security, technology transfer and the long-term development of the military’s capabilities.

In his response, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PROFORCE Group, Mr Ade Ogundeyin, thanked the COAS for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to producing quality defence equipment that meets the operational requirements of the Nigerian Army.

COAS Reaffirms Support for Indigenous Defence Manufacturers