A military hardware-producing company, PROFORCE Limited, has described the strength and development of the Nigerian Armed Forces as a panacea for economic growth and societal improvement of the country.
The Chief Executive Officer of PROFORCE, Ade Ogundeyin, stated this at National Defence College when he delivered a lecture to participants of the Defence Research and Development Bureau annual Seminar and exhibition.
Speaking on the title of the lecture: “The Role of Public and Private Sectors in the Development of a Robust Military Industrial Base in Nigeria”, Ogundeyin explained that the military strength of any nation is dependent on its military technological development.
According to him, through collaborations with Defence Related Industries, it will in turn create jobs and boost economic growth, adding that the capacity building on the domestic scene will attract self-reliance and bridge the gap of over-dependence on foreign nations for defence equipment.
“When we build capacity to manufacture our equipment and integrate other technologies, we can design solutions that will meet specific requirements of the end-user and also provide satisfactory understanding for easy maintenance and upgrade of the system,” he said.
He further stated that the Federal Government’s efforts towards addressing the need for local manufacturing of defence equipment led to the establishment of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, the Defence Industrial Corporation of Nigeria, the Special Vehicle Plant, among other establishments.
The PROFORCE boss called on relevant stakeholders in the business of defence to enact policies that will create a conducive environment and regulation that will guide defence production, procurement, industrial activities and collaborations with local and international partners.
Ogundeyin also said allocation of adequate funds through the budget to the sector will enhance Research and Development aimed at improving defence infrastructure, adding that Security and Intelligence support provides critical infrastructure needed to protect defence companies and its operations.
Daily Trust reports that the Ministers of Defence and his Science, Technology & Innovation counterpart, the Service Chiefs and Heads of Security Agencies, captains of industries, government officials, among stakeholders were in attendance.
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