According to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, the Nigerian Army is on track to achieve self-sufficiency in military manufacturing.
Yahaya stated this on Wednesday, at the conclusion of the Chief of Army Staff First Quarter Conference, 2023, in Abuja.
He stated that R&D had a significant impact on the achievements of armies all over the globe.
This is based on the items displayed by different companies during the Research and Development Exhibition at the start of the meeting, according to him.
“I am confident that we are on track to achieve self-sufficiency in defence production.”
“I am pleased that the Nigerian army’s research and development efforts have recently received a boost in order to contribute to addressing our needs and current challenges.”
“The newly established Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre is also positioned to support the Nigerian Army’s research and development efforts.”
“We should also continue to harness and encourage personnel with research potentials to put more effort into improving our research and development, as well as be innovative in repositioning the Nigerian Army to address contemporary challenges,” he said.
The COAS stated that the conference engagement produced practical ideas that would surely enhance the army’s kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
He added that the meeting provided the Army with the chance to properly assess its efforts for improved results in the remaining months of the year and beyond.
He praised the soldiers for their hard work, devotion, conviction, and efforts in all areas of operations, including the recently completed Operation Safe Conduct.
He also praised their work with sibling services, other security organizations, and civil/military cooperation.
According to him, there is no doubt that these partnerships must be maintained in order to ensure unity and determination in national security.
Faruk Yahaya Historical Park, according to Yahaya, is part of attempts to commemorate and preserve the treasured heritage of current and deceased Nigerian army commanders and troops.
He added that the park, which is an expansion of the Nigerian Army Museum, honours their deceased heroes and maintains records of worthy people who served the country bravely and with renowned leadership qualities.
“The park gives the families of our deceased and serving colleagues whose names are inscribed in recognition of their service a sense of belonging, pride, and honour,” he said.
The Army head stated that the military has stayed attentive to personnel mood and operational performance, as evidenced by the acquisition of 25 new Toyota Hilux cars for 25 Army Warrant Officers, among other welfare programmes.
He added that the assistance gifts were also intended to encourage young troops to stay loyal, dedicated, and strive for the desired position.
“In the coming days and years, we must continue to improve the general welfare and administration of our men and their families, which I believe is critical in all human endeavours.”
The COAS encouraged leaders at all levels to try to build on the Nigerian army’s documented accomplishments and to ensure comprehensive oversight, training, and counselling of soldiers under their charge.
