The Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for increased investment in indigenous technology, research and local defence manufacturing to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported military equipment and strengthen the country’s capacity to tackle emerging security threats.
Shaibu made the call during a visit to the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO) in Kigali, Rwanda, as part of his official working visit to the country.
The Army chief said African countries needed to strengthen their technological capabilities and industrial capacity to develop homegrown solutions to security challenges rather than rely heavily on foreign suppliers for military equipment, components and maintenance services.
He stressed the importance of innovation, research and development, and strategic technological partnerships in building sustainable defence capabilities across the continent.
Shaibu was received by REMCO’s Chief Executive Officer, Emile Rungambajye, during the visit, which highlighted opportunities for cooperation in engineering, manufacturing and the development of local industrial capacity.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the engagement underscored the need for Nigeria to strengthen its indigenous defence-industrial base through institutions such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
Established in 2018, REMCO specialises in precision engineering, machining, metal casting, fabrication and the production of machinery, equipment and spare parts.
These capabilities are relevant to defence manufacturing, where the availability of locally produced components and specialised engineering services can help military organisations maintain equipment and reduce dependence on overseas suppliers.
For Nigeria, expanding domestic defence production could improve the availability of equipment required for military operations, particularly as the Armed Forces continue to confront insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other security challenges.
Reliance on imported weapons, spare parts and technical services can expose military procurement and maintenance to supply-chain disruptions, delivery delays and other logistical constraints. Developing local manufacturing capacity could help address some of these challenges by enabling faster repairs, maintenance and replacement of essential components.
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Strengthening the domestic defence industry could also create opportunities for Nigerian engineers, researchers and manufacturers to contribute to the design, production and maintenance of military equipment.
Through institutions such as DICON, Nigeria has a platform for advancing indigenous defence production, although expanding the sector would require sustained investment, technical expertise, modern manufacturing facilities and effective collaboration between the military and private-sector manufacturers.
Shaibu’s visit to REMCO also highlighted the potential importance of cooperation between African countries in developing engineering expertise and industrial solutions suited to the continent’s security needs.
Such partnerships could support knowledge exchange, skills development and technology transfer, while helping African countries build manufacturing capabilities that serve their respective defence requirements.
The engagement reaffirmed the importance of African-led technological development and sustainable defence partnerships in strengthening continental security and economic resilience.
It also aligns with Shaibu’s vision of building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready Nigerian Army capable of responding effectively to evolving security threats.
The push for indigenous technology reflects a broader objective of improving military self-reliance by ensuring that Nigeria develops greater capacity to support its defence operations through domestic expertise, manufacturing and maintenance.
However, achieving this objective would require long-term commitment to research, industrial development and partnerships capable of translating technological expertise into reliable equipment for the Armed Forces.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
