Tinubu Vows to Boost Local Arms Production, Strengthen Security

President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to accelerating local production of arms and ammunition as part of efforts to fortify Nigeria’s security architecture.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Course 33 of the National Defence College in Abuja on Friday, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized that building local capacity would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and sharpen the nation’s fight against insecurity.

The Course 33 set comprises officers from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, and other institutions within and outside the country.

Tinubu hailed the course theme, “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria,” describing strong institutions as the foundation of every successful society.

“They uphold the rule of law, safeguard citizens’ rights, promote accountability, and deliver essential services. In national security, they are the framework for managing conflict, countering threats, and building resilience against instability. In development, they ensure sound governance, effective planning, and the delivery of policies that serve the common good. This is why this administration has made institutional strengthening a national priority, and I trust that the knowledge you have acquired here will be deployed to fortify the institutions of Nigeria and of your respective nations,” he said.

The President described the College as a vivid reflection of his government’s commitment to building human capital in critical areas of national survival. He stressed that developing indigenous capacity for military hardware production was vital to both security and national growth.

“I must also commend the tradition of research excellence in this College. Your Presidential Treaties on Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040 is a clear demonstration of this strength. I have directed that relevant stakeholders study your recommendations and harvest the strategies you proposed, because strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development,” Tinubu stated.

He also assured that work on the permanent site of the National Defence College at Piwoyi would be completed. “While progress has been made, much remains to be done. I assure you that this administration is committed to completing the permanent site, to ensure that the College continues to deliver strategic training not only for Nigeria but also for allied nations. When fully equipped, this College can, and should, evolve into a Defence Postgraduate University. I have therefore directed the Commandant to work closely with the Minister of Defence to develop a clear strategy to upgrade the facilities, while government explores further interventions to enhance the infrastructure,” he added.

On the economy, Tinubu reaffirmed his belief that strong institutions are essential for lasting democracy and prosperity. “Today, there is renewed confidence in our economy, reflected in the nation’s rising business outlook. Today, even the stock market has grown by over forty-eight percent year on year, the best performance in almost three decades. While this reflects investor faith in our reforms, I acknowledge that we must continue to tackle inflation and food insecurity to ensure that this growth translates into real prosperity for every Nigerian,” he said.

Addressing the graduands, Tinubu urged them to be partners in his administration’s renewed hope agenda. “Graduates of Course 33, you step out today into a world more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous than when you began your course last year. Global economic headwinds, the war in Ukraine, the disruptive force of emerging technologies, the threats in cyberspace, and the unsettling resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government in our region form the backdrop of your service. But you have been prepared for this moment. You have been trained to think and act strategically. You have been equipped to lead with vision and courage.”

The President also commended the Commandant, faculty, and management of the National Defence College for their role in preparing the officers for service to the Armed Forces, Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and friendly nations represented in the course.

Earlier, the Commandant of the NDC, Rear Admiral J.O. Okosu, welcomed the President and highlighted his administration’s continued support for the College. He expressed confidence that the graduates had been well prepared to confront pressing security challenges, including banditry and oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Deputy Commandant of the NDC, Major General Kevin Ukandu, added that the programme equipped participants with skills in defence management, strategy formulation, command, and geopolitics.