TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says the defence ministry has been directed to set up a “complex” for the local production of military weapons as part of efforts to ensure improved security.

Buhari disclosed this on Monday, at the mid-term ministerial performance review retreat, held at the state house conference centre in Abuja.

The development comes weeks after the federal government said it will enter into a partnership with Equipment Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL), a Nigerian company, on the production of locally-made bulletproof vests and other security gadgets.

While listing the achievements of the current administration on improving security, Buhari also said the national command and control centre, which was established in May 2021 to curb the proliferation of weapons, has been expanded to 19 states.

“To address our over-dependence on other countries for military equipment and logistics, I have instructed the defence ministry to create a modest military industrial complex for the local production of weapons to meet some of the requirements of the country’s armed forces,” he said.

“This is being implemented under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), a military department responsible for arms manufacture.

“As part of the efforts towards strengthening our national security, we have increased investments in arms, weapons and other necessary equipment; expanded the national command and control centre to 19 states of the federation; and established a Nigeria Police Trust Fund, which will significantly improve funding for the Nigeria Police Force.

“We have also approved the sum of N13.3 billion for the take-off of the community policing initiative across the country, as part of measures adopted to consolidate efforts aimed at enhancing security nationwide.

“It is gratifying to note that only recently, we received six A-29 Super Tucano aircrafts as part of our efforts to boost the nation’s campaign against insecurity. The propeller-driven aircrafts are being used for training, surveillance and attack by the military.”