By Patrick Osagie
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustained quality production of defence equipment by indigenous companies in the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, gave the assurance during a familiarisation visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited and Proforce Group Limited in Ogun State.
During the visit, Mr Pheelangwa commended Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited for its contributions to Nigeria’s security architecture.
Pheelangwa urged the company to continue producing durable and high-quality equipment for the Nigerian military and other African countries.
He said the Ministry of Defence has continued to support the company through the facilitation of end-user certificates and tax exemptions from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service to ease the importation of raw materials.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for sustained collaboration and strict quality control, noting that product integrity and service delivery would determine continued patronage.
The Managing Director of the company, Mr Kola Balogun, thanked the ministry for its support and pledged continued collaboration.
Mr Pheelangwa also visited Proforce Group Limited, describing it as Nigeria’s first indigenous defence contractor in the design and manufacture of armoured vehicles and security systems for land and naval operations.
He commended Proforce for its role in supporting military operations and reiterated the ministry’s support through similar facilitation measures, urging continuous collaboration.
The Managing Director of Proforce, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, appreciated the ministry’s recognition and assured of continued partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
