By Abubakar Yunusa
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle,has reaffirmed federal government commitment to boosting indigenous defence manufacturing,as he visited a Nigerian drone production facility in Abuja.
Matawalle made the pledge during a tour of Briech UAS manufacturing plant in Kuje, on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the minister said the government had put policies in place to prioritise local companies in procurement processes.
“The Nigerian government has recognised the need to allow local companies to grow,” he said.
He added that it was now mandatory for ministries and agencies to look inward before sourcing goods and services from abroad.
“Before looking outside the country, you must first determine whether any Nigerian company can provide the required services or products,” Matawalle stated.
The minister also urged the company to expand into the production of arms and ammunition, in line with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign military hardware.
“The Federal Government is ready to patronise and support local manufacturers,” he assured.
Matawalle described the facility as impressive, noting that it produces indigenous drones, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms and attack drones.
During the tour, the Chairman of the firm, Bright Echefu, showcased several locally manufactured models, including the Damisa Combat Drone designed for intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations.
Other products displayed were the Arsenio BFLY and Xander reconnaissance drones, as well as attack drones capable of operating in difficult terrains.
Echefu said the company’s drones were 100 per cent locally produced and staffed entirely by Nigerians.
“There is no foreigner in our company; everybody here is a Nigerian,” he said.
He attributed the firm’s growth to sustained patronage from the Nigerian military.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the operations of the facility and commended the management and staff, pledging continued government backing for indigenous defence manufacturers.
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