By Onyekachukwu Utebor, Warri
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on 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, according to a statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
He described Nigeria’s youthful population as a critical national asset whose intelligence, creativity and productive capacity could be harnessed through investment, mentorship and skills development to address security challenges and promote economic growth.
The army chief stressed that developing local technological capabilities was essential to building a sustainable domestic defence industry capable of meeting the evolving operational requirements of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He said collaboration among the Nigerian Army, indigenous defence manufacturers and the private sector would accelerate technological development, improve operational effectiveness and strengthen the country’s capacity to protect its national interests.
Shaibu commended EPAIL for developing a skilled, youthful workforce dedicated to producing protective equipment for the military and other security agencies.
He noted that investment in local manufacturing and human capital development would enhance troop protection and operational readiness while stimulating industrial growth, encouraging innovation and contributing to long-term national security.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPAIL, Engineer Kola Balogun, commended the COAS for sustaining efforts to combat criminal elements across the country.
Balogun said the company had the capacity to supply protective equipment to military personnel and other security agencies, highlighting the contributions of its young and innovative workforce in developing products tailored to their operational needs.
The visit underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to indigenous defence production and youth empowerment as key components of national security, with emphasis on technological self-reliance, employment generation and stronger public-private sector partnerships.
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