CDS General
Olonisakin
Legislators Laud
CDS General
Olonisakin
Legislators Laud Local Production of Military
Hardware
The recent breakthrough by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the
local production of some of its hard and softwares has received
encomiums from the House Committee on Defence of the green chambers
of Nigeria’s National Assembly.
The recent technological innovations came at the heels of robust
research and development efforts to enhance troops’ effectiveness
in combating insurgency, militancy, armed banditry, kidnapping and
other forms of criminalities bedeviling the country.
The Chairman House Committee on Defence, Honourable Jimi Benson
gave the commendation when he led members of his Committee on a
maiden oversight visit to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Honourable Benson, expressed delight
on the recent technological innovation by the AFN in the production
of military hardwares, particularly, the Mine Resistant Anti Ambush
Vehicle (MRAP) which he described as a welcome development and a
plus for the Federal Government local content drive.
He added that these technological innovations emanating from
various establishments of the AFN, including the Defence Industry
Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Defence Space Administration as
well as the Defence Research and Development Bureau have
potentially increased the operational capabilities of the AFN. He
noted further that these feats will equally relieve the nation of
the cost of purchasing military platforms and equipment while also
reducing over reliance on foreign manufacturers.
The Chairman also reposed confidence in the current leadership
of the AFN for the prudent management of budgetary allocation and
the successes recorded by the AFN in its operational engagements.
He maintained that the Committee is ready to support the DHQ in
facilitating the requisite legislative bills to enhance military
operations and engagements.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel
Olonisakin expressed appreciation for the Committee’s support to
the AFN in the pursuit of its constitutional mandate of defending
the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Gen Olonishakin urged the federal law makers to remain resolute
in their support for the military as it relentlessly tackles
emerging security challenges in the country. He assured that
budgetary allocations to the Defence Headquarters will be prudently
and judiciously utilized on administrative and operational
commitments.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Acting Director Defence Information