Victor Ezeja
Executive Vice Chairman National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has highlighted the importance of Nigeria having a Military Industrial Complex (MIC), stressing that it will help in enhancing the country’s defence capabilities and achieving self-reliance in military hardware production.
Halilu stated this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASENI and the Ministry of Defence to establish Nigeria’s ammunition production factory.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to a statement by the NASENI Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, the partnership marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest to strengthen its defence infrastructure through indigenous innovation and technological advancement.
The NASENI boss said having a Military Industry Complex is not just a strategic initiative but a national imperative.
He stressed that Nigeria must position itself to confront new threats with domestic solutions in a fast changing global security environment.
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He emphasised that the partnership will redefine Nigeria’s defence landscape and secure the country’s future.
“This partnership between NASENI and the Ministry of Defense is a testament to our commitment to harness Nigeria’s scientific and engineering expertise in the service of national defense,” the NASENI Executive Vice Chairman stated.
He asserted that NASENI’s track record in research, development, and manufacturing positions the agency as a key player in the establishment of the MIC.
The new Military Industrial Complex will serve as a hub for the development, production, and maintenance of military equipment, ranging from small arms to advanced defense systems.
L-R: Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana; and Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle at the MoU signing in Abuja
The project aims to create a robust ecosystem that supports the needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces while fostering the growth of local industries, thereby reducing reliance on foreign imports.
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Speaking further on the partnership with the Ministry of Defence on the MIC project, Halilu said: “This MoU represents the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing our defence capabilities through innovation and indigenous production.
“Our goal is to ensure that our military is equipped with the best tools to defend our nation, and through this partnership, we will lay the foundation for a self-reliant defence industry that will also contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.”
He expressed his deep appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and the entire Ministry for their unwavering support and confidence in NASENI. “We are ready to work tirelessly to ensure that the vision of a Nigerian Military Industrial Complex becomes a reality. We owe it to our nation, to our Armed Forces, and to the generations yet unborn,” he added.
This MoU signifies the start of a strategic partnership that will elevate Nigeria’s defence capabilities and contribute to the broader goal of national security and economic development, he further stated.
Other stakeholders present at the signing of the agreement included the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Senior Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
