President Bola Tinubu has vowed to accelerate the local production of arms and ammunition as part of his administration’s efforts to bolster Nigeria’s security architecture and reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers.
The president stated this at the graduation ceremony of Course 33 of the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him.
Tinubu emphasised that boosting homegrown defence capacity is crucial to tackling insecurity and fostering national development.
He described the NDC as a “vivid representation” of his government’s commitment to building human capital in strategic sectors and praised the College’s research excellence.
Tinubu highlighted the Presidential Treaties on Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040 as evidence of Nigeria’s capacity for innovation in defence.
“I have directed that relevant stakeholders study your recommendations and implement the strategies you proposed, because strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development,” the president said.
The theme of Course 33, ‘Strengthening institutions for national security and development in Nigeria’, reflects the administration’s focus on resilient institutions as the backbone of national security and governance.
“They uphold the rule of law, safeguard citizens’ rights, promote accountability, and deliver essential services,” Tinubu noted, adding that strong institutions are critical for managing conflict, countering threats, and building resilience against instability.
The president also reiterated his commitment to completing the NDC’s permanent site in Piwoyi, which will enhance strategic training for both Nigeria and allied nations, with the potential to evolve into a Defence Postgraduate University.
“While progress has been made, much remains to be done. We are committed to upgrading facilities and exploring further interventions to strengthen infrastructure,” he said.
Tinubu’s pledge builds on several years of initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security capabilities. From expanding local arms production and commissioning research studies to developing strategic frameworks and forging partnerships with private companies, the government has consistently pursued policies to promote indigenous defence capacity. Institutional strengthening, including upgrades at the NDC, has been central to these efforts.
Highlighting Nigeria’s economic progress, Tinubu noted that renewed investor confidence is reflected in a 48 per cent year-on-year growth in the stock market — the highest in nearly three decades.
He cautioned, however, that inflation and food insecurity remain key challenges, emphasising that economic growth must translate into prosperity for all Nigerians.
Addressing the graduates, Tinubu urged them to contribute to “the new Nigeria we all dream of,” while recognising the complex global environment shaped by geopolitical instability, emerging technologies, and economic headwinds.
He also commended the NDC Commandant, Rear Admiral J.O. Okosu; Deputy Commandant, Major General Kevin Ukandu; and the college faculty for grooming Course 33 officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police Force, and allied domestic and international institutions.
The programme equips participants with advanced skills in defence management, strategy formulation, command, and geopolitics, preparing them for high-level national and international roles.
