By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Member of Senate committee on Defence, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko has challenged the federal government to create the right environment for the local defence industry to thrive.
Sen. Nwoko said this at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) 60th Anniversary and Maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
He said that Nigeria’s defence industry has the capacity to drive economic growth if well harnessed.
Nwoko who was also the Chief Book Launcher, at the event said the defence sector is a global powerhouse, with many countries relying on it as a key driver of their economies.
“In Nigeria, we have the resources and the potential to achieve the same, but this requires considerable investment and active participation from the private sector. We cannot leave everything to the government.” He said.
During his address, he emphasized the importance of local production and manufacturing in the sector.
He said he firmly believe that Nigeria has the capacity and financial resources to make the defence industry as profitable as our oil, gas, and banking sectors.
“To achieve this, the government must play its part by identifying and supporting specialized companies through licensing and approval, and also by promoting public awareness. With the right investments, we can create jobs, attract investors, and reduce our reliance on imports,” He said.
