Odita Sunday 
Defence Ministry Backs Indigenous Arms Makers, Demands Quality, Integrity for Exports
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing base, as the Ministry of Defence intensified collaboration with local arms and security equipment producers to boost quality, integrity and export readiness.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, gave the assurance on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, during a familiarisation visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPRIL) and Proforce Group Limited in Ogun State.
Pheelangwa commended EPRIL for its growing contributions to Nigeria’s security architecture and its support for military operations within Nigeria and across the African region.
He urged the company to sustain the production of durable, reliable and internationally competitive defence equipment, noting that quality and integrity would remain decisive factors in attracting local and foreign patronage.
He disclosed that the Ministry has continued to support the company through critical administrative processes, including the facilitation of End User Certificates and tax exemptions from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service, to ease the importation of essential raw materials.
According to him, sustained collaboration with the Ministry would require continuous integrity and quality checks, especially for products supplied outside Nigeria, stressing that product standards and service delivery ultimately determine market confidence and demand.
Responding, the Managing Director of EPRIL, Mr. Kola Balogun, expressed appreciation for the visit and the Ministry’s consistent support, pledging continued cooperation in all aspects of the company’s operations.
EPRIL is an indigenous defence company specialising in the production of military operational tools and security equipment, and is a key supplier to the Nigerian military and international clients.
In a related visit, the Permanent Secretary also toured Proforce Group Limited, where he acknowledged the company’s evolution into Nigeria’s first and only indigenous defence contractor focused on the design and manufacture of armoured vehicles and security systems for land and naval applications.
Pheelangwa praised Proforce for its comprehensive defence solutions and contributions to national security, urging the company to sustain the production of viable and durable equipment to support military formations in Nigeria and across Africa.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Proforce through similar facilitation processes, including End User Certificates and tax exemptions, while calling for continuous collaboration.
The Managing Director of Proforce Group Limited, Engr. Ade Ogundeyin, thanked the Ministry for recognising the company’s efforts and assured of continued partnership with the Ministry in advancing Nigeria’s defence objectives.
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