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By Philip Nwosu
Nigeria is working towards producing its own tanks, armoured personnel carriers (APCs), drones and other military equipment as part of efforts to strengthen national security and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has said.
Musa disclosed this during an interview at an international defence exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria, describing the event as a significant step towards repositioning the country in the global defence manufacturing industry.
The minister expressed excitement over the exhibition, noting that Nigeria had long needed to host such an event after its representatives visited similar exhibitions in other countries.
He said the initiative would provide opportunities for Nigeria to showcase its defence capabilities, attract international partnerships and develop the domestic capacity to manufacture military hardware.
“Our own tanks, our own APCs, our own drones and everything together. That is our dream, and I am sure we will achieve that,” Musa said.
He described the exhibition as a potential win-win for Nigeria, noting that the participation of representatives from more than six countries demonstrated international interest in the country’s defence and security initiatives.
According to him, foreign participation would create opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology transfer and cooperation in defence production.
Musa thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative, saying it demonstrated the government’s commitment to strengthening national security and ensuring peace in the country.
The minister also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies, assuring citizens that personnel were working tirelessly to address security challenges.
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“We are winning the war. We need them to continue to support us, and we will continue to win,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, stressing that sustained public support was important to the efforts of the military and other security agencies.
Musa further assured the President that the Armed Forces and other security institutions remained committed to protecting the country and ensuring the safety of citizens.
“We want to assure him that the Armed Forces and other security agencies in Nigeria are working tirelessly to make sure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” he said.
The minister said Nigeria’s ambition to manufacture essential military equipment locally was part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities and place it on the international map of military hardware production.
He expressed confidence that the country would achieve its ambition of manufacturing tanks, APCs, drones and other equipment needed by its security forces.
Musa said the exhibition marked an important opportunity for Nigeria to engage with international partners and build on its experience in addressing security challenges.
He urged Nigerians to continue believing in the country and supporting ongoing efforts to achieve peace and security.
