The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, unveiled a new line of locally manufactured combat vehicles during a ceremony at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps facility in Lagos. The event marked a significant milestone in the military’s push toward self-sufficiency in equipment production. Lagbaja inspected the vehicles and spoke to engineers involved in the project before addressing assembled officers and defence officials.
The unveiled combat vehicles represent the latest output from the army’s revitalized manufacturing programs. Officials stated that the hardware incorporated locally sourced materials and engineering expertise. The production line operated under strict military specifications, with quality control teams monitoring each assembly phase. Furthermore, the vehicles underwent rigorous field testing before receiving approval for deployment.
Lagbaja attributed the achievement to policy directions from the federal government. He specifically commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing defence sector reform. “The President’s defence policy has created the enabling environment for the Nigerian Army to look inward and develop capacities that were previously dependent on foreign suppliers,” Lagbaja stated. He added that the administration’s support allowed the military to “harness local talents and resources for national security.”
The manufacturing initiative formed part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on imported military equipment. Engineers at the facility received advanced training to handle complex assembly processes. Additionally, partnerships with local suppliers strengthened the domestic defence industrial base. Consequently, production timelines shortened while maintenance capabilities improved.
Defence ministry representatives indicated that additional vehicle variants would enter production within the current fiscal year. They noted that cost savings from local manufacturing would fund further research and development. Meanwhile, Lagbaja urged the ordnance corps to maintain quality standards. “We must ensure that every equipment leaving this facility meets the highest operational requirements,” he said.
