Badaru inspects military facilities in Kaduna, lauds progress in arms production
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to boosting local arms production and reducing reliance on foreign military procurement. He made the declaration during a two-day working visit to key military institutions in Kaduna State.
The facilities visited include the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot (CED), Buffalo Engineering Technical Services Limited (BETSL), and the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
Accompanied by senior military officials — including Major General M.L.D. Saraso, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division; Major General A.K. Ibrahim, Commandant of the NDA; and Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, Commandant of AFIT — the Minister inspected ongoing projects, workshops, and training programmes aimed at strengthening national defence capacity.
Speaking with journalists after the tour, Abubakar said Nigeria was making significant progress in developing indigenous capabilities for the production and refurbishment of military hardware. He cited advancements in combat vehicles, arms, ammunition, and other equipment, as well as the successful repair of previously damaged assets.
The Minister praised the Armed Forces for their dedication to training, innovation, and research. He stressed the need for sustained collaboration among defence institutions and greater investment in research, development, and innovation (RDI) to enhance operational efficiency and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Abubakar also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for the military, citing the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill into law. The legislation is expected to strengthen local production, supply, and maintenance of military equipment for the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He further emphasized the importance of continuous support for institutions like the NDA, AFIT, CED, and BETSL in building a self-reliant and professionally equipped military force.
