The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has restated the commitment of the armed forces of Nigeria to the indigenous production of military equipment.

Speaking Wednesday at the commissioning of Defence Holdings Company Limited in Abuja, the CDS said the company would improve innovation, self-reliance, and economic diversification in the defence sector.

He said: “It is pertinent to mention that the Defence Holdings Company Limited and its subsidiaries are a Private Limited Liability Company established based on the need to coordinate business activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards improved innovation, self-reliance, and economic diversification in the defence sector.

“Considering the existence of similar establishments across the Services, Defence Headquarters would serve as a platform for unified strategic direction in terms of harnessing local resources, providing guidance for indigenous defence production, as well as identifying key sectors for public–private partnerships.”

Musa said the company will contribute to national security and improve the welfare and lives of military personnel and their families.

“The Company, through its subsidiaries, will contribute immensely to national security and development by leveraging available human and material resources to facilitate our technological advancement.

“The Defence Holding Company will also improve indigenous defence production while engaging in other viable commercial ventures beneficial to our economic growth as a Nation.”

In his remarks, Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, who was the Special Guest of Honour, described the commissioning of the company as another milestone in the armed forces’ quest for a viable military industrial complex.

According to him, “The holding company is more than just a collection of businesses; it is a platform for innovation, a catalysts for growth and a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

“As we move forward, it is our hope that the company will meet the expectation of our national aspiration as we also thrive to create value, drive growth and make positive impact in our desire to achieve the most expected military industrial complex which is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.”

He said the company will also shape the military’s contribution to the economic development of Nigeria.

“We are not just commissioning a new company; we are embarking on a journey that shapes the future of military contribution to our economic development and our non-kinetic efforts,” he said.

“It will also contribute to the welfare of our personnel of the armed forces of Nigeria in various ways.”

the guardian