Minister of state for defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria requires 200m rounds of ammunition yearly for its operations, costing the federal government no less than two {dollars} per munition.
He disclosed this yesterday throughout the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) vide Defence Industries Companies of Nigeria (DICON) and the Nationwide Company for Science and Engineering (NASENI) on the institution of an ammunition manufacturing manufacturing facility in Nigeria.
He blamed previous governments for the nation’s failure to attain self sufficiency in defence manufacturing.
“We’ve been travelling world wide, and we see how native producers are growing their international locations. Sadly, Nigeria, for 60 years, has didn’t construct the establishments, however that has modified, and it’ll proceed altering, inshallah.
“Subsequently, I promise Mr President that so far as MOD, earlier than the expiration of his 4 years, I guarantee him that DICON might be exporting its army capabilities.
“Subsequently, all we’d like from all of you’re prayers and dedication. We will have a look at it as our child, not only for me however for all of us. In fact, if at the moment we’re doing even 60 or 70% reductions of our army {hardware} and ammunition, how a lot is the ministry or the army spending yearly? The army requires about 200 million rounds of ammunition every year—simply army. Put collectively, different paramilitaries, the police, we’re about 350 million rounds of ammunition every year”.
The chief vice chairman, NASENI Khalil Suleiman Halilu, mentioned the signing of the MoU marked a major milestone in strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities and reaching self-reliance in producing army {hardware}.
He mentioned the partnership between NASENI and the Ministry of Defence is a testomony to the nation’s dedication to harnessing Nigeria’s scientific and engineering experience within the service of nationwide defence.
“NASENI has at all times been on the forefront of selling innovation and technological development throughout numerous sectors in Nigeria, and with our monitor file of success in analysis and improvement manufacturing, we’re nicely positioned to contribute meaningfully to the institution of the MIC.
“Our aim is to create a sturdy ecosystem that not solely helps the wants of the armed forces but in addition fosters the expansion of the native industries, thereby lowering our dependencies on imports”.
He reiterated that the Army Industrial Advanced will function a hub for the event and manufacturing upkeep of army tools, starting from small arms to superior defence techniques.
“By leveraging NASENI’s experience in materials science, robotics and superior manufacturing, we be certain that our army is provided with the perfect instruments to defend our nation. This MOU represents the start of a long-term collaboration to boost our defence capabilities by way of innovation and indigenous manufacturing.
It’s our agency perception that by way of this partnership, we’ll lay the inspiration of a self-reliant defence business that may meet the wants of our armed forces and contribute to Nigeria’s financial progress,” he mentioned.
The Minister Of Metal Improvement, Shuaibu Audu, acknowledged that the Ajaokuta Metal Plant supplies an ideal platform for the Army Industrial Advanced.
He mentioned the Ajaokuta Metal sits on about 24,000 hectares of land, whereas the metal plant, which has 44 manufacturing items, sits on 800 hectares and has greater than 10,000 housing items, of which solely 3,000 to 4,000 are occupied.
“So it has the capability to have the ability to withhold army barracks. There’s an engineering workshop in a few of the manufacturing items there that may assist produce helmets, vests, rifles, bullets, and physique components for army tanks. So there are nice alternatives for this initiative to dovetail into an MOU partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Metal Improvement to take this initiative additional.”
