• Calls intensify for stronger African defence cooperation, local arms production

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has commended Nigeria’s recent progress in arms manufacturing, saying that the current production of over 50 million rounds of ammunition, out of a current yearly requirement of over 300 million rounds, is a move towards self-sufficiency.

Matawalle told The Guardian at the sidelines of the ongoing Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), organised in Lagos by DMG Events, in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and backed by the federal government, that the attendance from across the world shows President Bola Tinubu’s determination to see Nigeria have lasting peace.

Meanwhile, stakeholders, including the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Maj.-Gen. Davidson Forleh, have called for stronger African defence cooperation and local arms production to help curb insecurity in the continent.

Forleh added that stronger intelligence sharing, regional coordination and improved military logistics among African countries would help address the growing security challenges across the continent.

According to him, modern warfare has changed significantly, requiring African militaries to adapt their strategies, technology and operational capabilities to emerging threats.

Meanwhile, Matawalle disclosed that many countries are coming to DICON for partnerships on defence capabilities, adding that Nigeria was not producing a single bullet before this administration came on board.

According to him, by investing in the local defence industry, “we are not only strengthening our national capabilities but also contributing to the broader regional effort to enhance security across Africa.

“Only by joining forces can we effectively tackle the complex challenges we face, harness our collective strengths, and build a brighter future for all.”

Also, the former Director-General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, called on African countries to move beyond discussions on continental security and focus on practical measures to strengthen their defence capabilities.

Wahab said African countries needed to begin trusting their own capacities while encouraging local innovators and start-ups to contribute to the development of defence solutions.

According to him, the continent’s dependence on foreign suppliers for military equipment is a major challenge, as many African countries lack the industrial capacity to manufacture the materials required for their defence.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Integrated Global Defence Network, UK Ministry of Defence, Maj.-Gen. John Clark, noted that security and economic prosperity are interconnected, stressing that effective defence partnerships could help African countries protect their people, secure their borders and create conditions for investment and economic growth.

He emphasised the need to extend defence cooperation beyond military activities to industrial partnerships that promote trade, investment and technology transfer. Clark also called for partnerships that would strengthen local supply chains, develop technical skills, encourage innovation and create quality jobs.