CDS: Nigeria must build local defence industry, restructure police to tackle insecurity

Olufemi Oluyede, chief of defence staff–designate, has called for the establishment of a local military industrial complex and the restructuring of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen the country’s response to insecurity.

Speaking during his screening by the senate on Wednesday, Oluyede said Nigeria cannot continue to rely on foreign countries for military hardware, describing the practice as unsustainable and expensive.

“For Nigeria to move forward, it is imperative that we develop our own local military industrial complex,” he said.

“We can’t keep buying equipment from outside because these things are extremely expensive.

“The country must build its capacity to produce the equipment required to prosecute wars and address the security challenges facing us.”

He said insecurity in Nigeria has become more complex, encompassing terrorism, banditry, cyberattacks and misinformation.

According to him, addressing these threats requires a collective national approach rather than leaving the task solely to the military.

“In doing better, it requires a whole-of-society approach; everybody must be involved. It shouldn’t be left to the military alone to prosecute and face all these challenges,” he said.

Oluyede emphasised the need to strengthen the police, noting that many internal security roles currently handled by the army should fall within the mandate of the police.

“Most of the job currently being carried out by the military falls within the purview of the police,” he said.

“It’s important for the nation to empower the police, make it stronger and more formidable, so that they can do their job while we concentrate on defending Nigeria against external aggression.”

The defence chief–designate stressed the importance of improving soldiers’ welfare, describing military service as a unique form of sacrifice that demands courage and dedication.

He admitted that limited resources have hindered efforts to improve the welfare of troops and their families, despite his commitment to prioritise their well-being.

Oluyede also described his tenure as chief of army staff as “very challenging”.

“My tenure has been quite challenging, and while things have improved tremendously, we can do better,” he said.

“It requires a whole-of-society approach. It’s important for all hands to be on deck to make Nigeria safer.”

Reflecting on his experience, Oluyede spoke about the immense demands of military leadership and the sacrifices required to maintain national security.

“It required cognate experience, sleepless nights, and total dedication to the safety of our nation. We all know resources are limited, but Nigeria must build its own capacity to confront emerging security threats from terrorism to cybercrime. If we fail to manage information effectively, our challenges will persist,” he said.

Oluyede emphasised the need to strengthen local defence capacity and develop homegrown solutions to national security problems.

Born in 1968, Oluyede previously served as Nigeria’s 24th chief of army staff.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu formally requested the senate’s confirmation of the newly appointed service chiefs.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s letter during Tuesday’s plenary.

Tinubu nominated Oluyede as chief of defence staff; Wahidi Shaibu as chief of army staff; Idi Abbas as chief of naval staff; Kennedy Aneke as chief of air staff; while Emmanuel Undiendeye was retained as chief of defence intelligence.