COAS advocates youth empowerment, indigenous defence production for national security

By Anan Geolengs

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on the private sector to invest in the intelligence, creativity and productive capacity of Nigerian youths to strengthen national security.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

It said Shaibu made the call on Wednesday during a visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) in Ogun.

He said Nigeria's youthful population constituted a critical national asset whose potential, when harnessed through targeted investment, mentorship and skills development, could generate innovative solutions to the country's security challenges.

The COAS said developing indigenous technological capabilities was essential to reducing dependence on foreign imports and building sustainable domestic defence industrial base capable of meeting evolving operational requirements of the armed forces.

He stressed that strategic collaboration between the Nigerian Army, local defence manufacturers and the private sector would accelerate technology development, enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen Nigeria's capacity to safeguard its national interests.

Shaibu commended EPAIL for cultivating highly skilled, youthful workforce dedicated to producing world-class protective equipment for the military and other security agencies.

He said investments in local manufacturing and human capital development would not only strengthen troops protection and operational readiness but also stimulate industrial growth, promote technological innovation and contribute to long-term national security.

Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPAIL, Mr Kola Balogun, commended the COAS for sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country.

Balogun affirmed the company's capacity to supply protective equipment to troops, highlighting contributions of its young and innovative workforce in developing solutions tailored to operational requirements of security agencies.

Also, the visit highlighted the army's recognition of indigenous defence manufacturing and youth development as strategic pillars of comprehensive national security framework.