Nigeria’s Defence Chief Advocates Homegrown Military Production, Stronger Regional Security Ties
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasized the urgent need for indigenous defence manufacturing and deeper regional cooperation as part of efforts to tackle the nation’s growing security concerns.
Speaking during the maiden lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC), Oluyede outlined a comprehensive strategy focused on strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities through self-sufficiency and collaborative security frameworks.
He noted that enhancing local production capacity through institutions like the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria would significantly reduce reliance on foreign military hardware, while also improving operational readiness and efficiency.
The defence chief further stressed the importance of reinforced border management and intelligence-sharing among neighbouring countries to effectively combat transnational threats, including terrorism, illicit arms flow, and cross-border criminal activities.
Oluyede also highlighted the critical role of joint military operations, warning that isolated efforts by individual service branches may fall short in addressing Nigeria’s complex and evolving security landscape.
According to him, outcomes from the lecture will be forwarded to key policy bodies such as the Federal Executive Council and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to drive implementation and national alignment.
In his contribution, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, called for a comprehensive, inclusive approach to security, involving both government institutions and citizens. He described the JDWC as a vital platform for developing unified military strategies and fostering inter-agency collaboration.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Centre, Aniedi Edet, reiterated the institution’s dedication to promoting innovation and strengthening joint military doctrine to enhance national security outcomes.
The lecture drew participation from senior military officers, diplomats, and key stakeholders across the security and defence sectors.
