Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai has said the Nigerian Army will embark on modernization of its weapons holding and was open to collaboration from both foreign and local manufacturers in weaponry production.
Speaking at a workshop on latest arms and ammunition production for land forces by renowned manufacturers of military hardware across the world in Abuja, Buratai said the army’s experience in the counter-insurgency war and other challenges has made the modernization inevitable.
In an interview with newsmen, Buratai said, “Our aim in attending this exhibition and workshop is to collaborate with these organizations so that we have the best to modernize our own army.
“The presence of these hardware manufacturers both foreign and local because of the need for local content will help greatly to modernize the Nigerian Army in line with contemporary development in science and technology.
That is why we are collaborating with them.
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“They came from different parts of the world, and we are really seeing the impact, the result of their various researche” the Army Chief said.
At the exhibition, military hardware exhibited included Armoured vehicles, Military Helicopters, Army aviation equipment, Artillery &Communication equipment, ballistic vests (bullet proof) and other equipment used by land force.
Speaking with newsmen, Mr. Pecim Rowe, Director of Peconian Ltd and coordinator of the workshop harped on the need for partnership between the Nigerian army and international arms manufacturers saying it is necessary in helping the army to produce modern equipment, using local content.
Rowe said, “We’ve got a lot militaries from around the world and lot of industries from around the world. We are working together, a lot of local collaboration, local content.
“We have a lot of international partnership because this event is about land forces; it is also about getting local content, working for Nigeria.
“We need manufacturers in Nigeria, as well as internationally, we can have real partnership in the military industry”.
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