Army chief Waidi Shaibu has called for greater investment in indigenous technology and defence manufacturing to reduce Africa’s dependence on foreign military equipment.

Mr Shaibu made the call during a visit to the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO) in Kigali on Wednesday, as part of his official working visit to Rwanda, according to a statement.

Mr Shaibu, who was received by REMCO’s CEO, Emile Rungambajye, examined the corporation’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities. He restated the importance of African innovation, research and development, and industrial partnerships in developing homegrown solutions to contemporary security challenges.

Established in 2018, REMCO is a government-owned engineering and manufacturing enterprise specialising in precision engineering, machining, metal casting, fabrication and the production of machinery, equipment and spare parts.

Mr Shaibu said the visit highlighted opportunities for African countries to strengthen local production capacity and reduce dependence on foreign defence supply chains. He added that it underscored the importance of developing Nigeria’s indigenous defence-industrial base through institutions such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

According to Mr Shaibu, stronger local manufacturing capacity will help sustain military operations, improve equipment availability, enhance maintenance capabilities and promote technological innovation.

Mr Shaibu also said that the initiative aligned with his vision of building a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient Nigerian Army capable of responding effectively to emerging security threats. He added that the engagement highlighted the need for African countries to strengthen indigenous research, innovation and manufacturing amid evolving security threats and uncertainties in global defence supply chains.

He reiterated that sustained investment in homegrown technologies and defence-industrial partnerships would support Africa’s quest for greater technological independence and long-term security.

(NAN)