By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani:
The Chief of Army Staff, General TY Buratai, has stressed the need for sustained investment on research and development on military hardware to reduce over dependence on importation.
Speaking on Special Nigeria Army Day at the 2019 Abuja International Trade Fair in Abuja, General Buratai therefore directed the Command Engineering Depot to collaborate with the Defense Industry Corporation of Nigeria on research and development of their inovative idea to produce a number of products on display at the Fair.
The products include , Mine Resistance , Tactical Armoured Vehicle, infantry patrol vehicle, mobile borehole drilling machine, fueless generator, mine roller and tractor.”
He expressed delight that all the products were fabricated by Nigerians without foreign technical partners.
The Chief Of Army Staff stated that the feat has laid a solid foundation for future consolidation on local production of military hardware and similarly reduce the intractable dependence on importation of defense logistics.
General Buratai emphasized that the Nigerian army has established a University in Biu where the Army would sponsor officers and soldiers on post graduate studies on robotics, automobile, software engineering, ICT and weapons system among others.
“Additionally the Nigerian army is collaborating with Nigerian Universities and research institutions on research and development of defense logistics.
“Plans are also underway to establish a factory at the Command Engineering Depot. At least this measures together with contributions with other talented Nigerias will foster the much needed technological breakthrough in our country.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonna Onu said Nigeria was destined to be a great nation, adding that President Muhammad Buhari is committed to make a solid foundation for the greatness of the country.
He said the only way to achieve this, is to attain self reliance, stressing that it is critical on the national security.
“We have seen the problems that confronted us as a nation when the insurgency in the North East was at its peak and we needed to buy weapons for our Armed Forces, we saw the problems that we have to pass through.
“So I am happy that the Nigerian Army is making this important contribution and doing it out of research and innovation .
“what this means is that we can never go below this standard we can only improve we can’t degenerate.
“I salute the Nigerian Army and I want the Chief of Army Staff to continue to encourage the men and women of Nigerian Army that devote their time ,their energy to help the nation in the search of greatness, I want to assure you that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology will cooperate, colaborate and give support you needed in all areas necessary,” he said.
