Nigeria fast becoming a defence technology giant —IGP

THE Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has lauded the potential of Nigeria in becoming the world’s defence systems solution hub following her capacity to produce high-grade security merchandise locally.

Idris made the remark during a tour of ProForce Armour and Ammunitions Production Facility, a defence systems and gadgets provider, on Friday in Ode-Remo, Ogun State.

The facility provided armoured personnel carriers, ammunitions, ballistic helmets, bullet-proof vests, armoured cash-in-transit and personal protection vehicles.

The IGP, who was impressed by the level of expertise observed at the facility, said the nation’s poise for rapid development could only materialise through adequate support for local manufacturing.

According to him, Nigeria could save a lot in terms of foreign exchange with internally purchased merchandise in equipping the nation’s security outfits in their fight against crime.

“To be honest with you, I have seen first-hand what Nigerians can offer with the right support. Here, you can see local content development in practice.

Similarly, the Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Bimbo Ashiru said it was important for government to always create an environment for local manufacturing to thrive.

He added that the best way of spreading wealth and reducing social strife was by creating jobs through local content development.

In his response, Mr Adetokunbo Ogundeyin, ProForce Managing Director thanked the IGP for the visit and said the company would continue to restrategise to remain competitive and meet local demand.

“The technology we have here is adaptable in that we produce to suit the peculiarity of the Nigerian terrain. That has always been our cutting edge.

“In the case of raw materials, we have done a lot of backward technology and developed a steel-rolling mill in Ota, Ogun where we produce steel from scrap metal,” Ogundoyin said.