The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged the private sector to invest in Nigerian youths and indigenous defence manufacturing to strengthen national security and accelerate economic growth.
According to the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Wednesday, Shaibu made the call on Tuesday during a visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) in Ogun State, where he highlighted the importance of harnessing the creativity, intelligence and productive capacity of young Nigerians to address the country’s security challenges.
The Army Chief said targeted investments in skills development, mentorship and technological innovation would create employment opportunities, strengthen national resilience and support the development of homegrown solutions to emerging security threats.
He stressed that building indigenous technological capabilities was essential to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign imports and establishing a sustainable domestic defence industry capable of meeting the operational needs of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
According to him, stronger collaboration among the Nigerian Army, local defence manufacturers and private sector players would accelerate technological advancement, improve operational effectiveness and enhance the country’s capacity to protect its national interests.
Shaibu commended EPAIL for developing a skilled, youthful workforce engaged in the production of protective equipment for military personnel and other security agencies.
He noted that investment in local manufacturing and human capital development would improve troop protection and operational readiness while stimulating industrial growth and promoting technological innovation.
Earlier, EPAIL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Kola Balogun, commended the COAS for sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country.
Balogun reaffirmed the company’s capacity to supply protective equipment to military personnel, noting that its young and innovative workforce was developing solutions tailored to the operational requirements of security agencies.
The visit underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defence production and youth development as key components of national security, with public-private sector partnerships expected to support technological self-reliance and economic growth.
