Senator Demands 100% Locally Manufactured Kits For Military

Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged the federal government to allow 100% local production of military kits as it will generate more revenue for Nigeria.

Speaking at an interactive session on the 2024 budget at the Senate Committee on Defense and Defense Headquarters on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the government should consider making uniforms and boots for the Navy, Airforce and Army within the country.

"I have been going through your budget. Maybe I've missed the part that talked about the provision of uniforms for the officers; Navy, Airforce, and Army. My question is, where do you acquire the uniforms? Are they locally produced or imported?" she questioned, Vanguard reported.

The senator from Kogi Central, who is also the chairman of the Local Content Committee, demanded details about the budget allocated for uniforms and the place of manufacture.

"It's my greatest desire to see that our local industries are being utilized in the manufacturing of boots and uniforms," she noted.

The senator said manufacturing industries should be started in Kogi Central and pointed out that people from the Ebira community are known for their tailoring skills. Ebiras live mostly in Kogi and Nasarawa states.

Responding to the senator, Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said there are already local industries that are doing the production of boots, helmets and other protective wear for military officials.

"Last month, the permanent secretary and I visited one of the companies and they are doing well, I can share the address and I will encourage you to also visit the colonies to see the level of work they are doing there," Abubakar added.

President Bola Tinubu signed the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill into law last month to improve the manufacturing industry in Nigeria.

In September, the president announced a $1 billion deal with India to modernize DICON's facilities to increase its local production of defense equipment to 40% by 2027, which is far below the senator's demand for 100% local production.

In October, Abubakar said that the government has vowed to provide the Nigerian Army with more equipment, including arms, ammunition, and combat enablers to strengthen their capabilities in effectively combating insurgency.

The Nigerian Army has been dealing with security issues in the country amid a surge in killings and kidnapping cases. Nigeria is suffering from a "kidnap epidemic" as 3,620 people were abducted between July 2022 and June 2023.