Army Chief Shaibu Advocates for African Defence Manufacturing

Army Chief Shaibu made a call for the growth of African defence manufacturing during his official visit to the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO) in Kigali. He was received by REMCO's Chief Executive Officer, Emile Rungambajye.

According to a statement from the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Shaibu stressed the importance of African nations investing in research and development, utilizing local technical expertise, and fostering cross-border industrial partnerships to create home-grown solutions to emerging security challenges. The visit also aimed to strengthen Nigeria's domestic defence industrial base through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), aligning with Shaibu's strategic objective of building a combat-ready and self-sustaining military force.

He noted that enhancing local manufacturing capacity is crucial for improving equipment availability, streamlining maintenance supply chains, and reducing the vulnerability of African armed forces to global defence supply disruptions. The engagement highlighted the significance of African innovation and industrial cooperation for long-term continental security.