By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged the private sector to invest more in youth development and indigenous defence manufacturing to create jobs and strengthen national security.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Shaibu made the call during a visit to the Equipment and Protective Applications International Ltd. (EPAIL) in Ogun, as part of his participation in the ongoing Africa International Defence Exhibition 2026.

The COAS said Nigeria’s youthful population was a strategic national asset, whose creativity and productive capacity could generate innovative solutions to security challenges when supported through investment, mentorship and skills development.

Shuaibu said developing indigenous technological capabilities was essential to reducing dependence on foreign imports and building a sustainable domestic defence industrial base.

He stressed that collaboration between the Nigerian Army, local defence manufacturers and the private sector would accelerate technology development, improve operational effectiveness and strengthen national security.

The COAS commended EPAIL for developing a skilled, youthful workforce dedicated to producing protective equipment for the military and other security agencies.

He said investment in local manufacturing and human capital development would improve troops’ protection and operational readiness, while stimulating industrial growth and technological innovation.

Earlier, EPAIL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kola Balogun, commended the COAS for sustaining military operations against criminal elements across the country.

Balogun said the company had the capacity to supply protective equipment to troops, highlighting the role of its young workforce in developing products tailored to the operational needs of security agencies.

Stakeholders said the visit underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to indigenous defence production, youth development and public-private partnerships as key components of national security. (NAN)

Edited by Nabilu Balarabe/Sadiya Hamza