By Victor Akaa, Abuja
The Nigerian Army (NA) has showcased some of its inventions jointly manufactured by the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Command Engineering Depot, Nigerian Army, kaduna.
Unveiling the equipments in the ongoing 2019 Abuja International Trade Fair in Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai said the aim of the initiative was to enhance its operational capability in fighting insecurity as well as discouraging the importation of logistics into the country to be self reliant.
Buratai explained “It is worthy to note that most of the requisite materials are imported which not only drain our foreign reserves but also impart negatively on the operational efficiency of the Nigerian army due to their leap time.
“There is therefore need for a sustained investment in research development on military hardware to reduce the over dependent on importation of logistics in general to shore up the army capability towards mitigating contemporary security challenges”.
In his speech, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonanya Onu saluted the board steps taken by the leadership of the Nigerian army ro be self reliant.
Onu who was the special guest of honour said, the efforts and achievement of the NA in its research and development and innovation had raised hope for the this country to be great.
He explained, over the time ,Nigeria had depended on other countries to acquire basic needs adding that the country could no longer do so.
“Nigeria is destined to be a great nation and our President, Muhammadu Buhari is committed to help lay the solid foundation for the greatness of our nation and one way we can achieve this is to become self reliant.
“One area that self reliant is critical is in national security.
“We have seen the problem that confronted us as a nation when the insurgents in the north east was at its peak and we needed to buy weapons for our armed forces.
“So, I am very happy that the Nigerian army is making this very important contribution and doing it out of research and development and innovation.
“What this means is that we can never go below this standard because we already have the skills”.
Onu further charged the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratia, to continue to encourage the officers and men that had devote their time and ability to help the nation in the search for greatness.
He therefore promised to collaborate and cooperate with the army as well as provide all the necessary support in all areas necessary to advance the initiative.
Some of the equipments showcased were, 10 KVA fueless generator which have the capacity to work for two months without service, Mines Resistance Anti Ambush protected vehicle, Ijodo tractor, Mobile Borehole Drilling Machine, Bullet proof Van, amongst others.
The event was attended by government functionaries, top military officers, senate chairman on army, representative of the Inspector General of police,amongst others
