By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged the private sector to invest in Nigerian youths and indigenous defence manufacturing to strengthen national security, create jobs and reduce dependence on imported military equipment.
Shaibu made the call on Tuesday during a visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) in Ogun State, where he highlighted the importance of developing local technological capabilities to meet the operational needs of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, quoted the COAS as saying that Nigeria’s youthful population remained a critical national asset whose creativity could drive innovation, economic growth and solutions to security challenges.
Shaibu stressed that collaboration between the Nigerian Army, local defence manufacturers and private investors would accelerate technology development, improve operational effectiveness and strengthen the country’s capacity to protect its national interests.
He commended EPAIL for developing a skilled, youthful workforce dedicated to producing protective equipment for the military and other security agencies, noting that local manufacturing would enhance troop protection, operational readiness and industrial development.
Earlier, EPAIL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Kola Balogun, commended the COAS for sustaining operations against criminal elements across the country.
Balogun said the company had the capacity to supply protective equipment to troops, adding that its young workforce was developing innovative products tailored to the operational needs of security agencies.
The visit underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to indigenous defence production, youth empowerment and public-private partnerships as key pillars of national security and technological self-reliance.
