By Harriet Tornguvan
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting local defence manufacturers, while calling for sustained product quality and strict integrity checks for equipment meant for both domestic and export markets.
Pheelangwa made this known during a familiarisation visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPRIL) in Ogun State.
Commending the company’s contributions to Nigeria’s security architecture, he urged EPRIL to continue producing durable and reliable military equipment for Nigerian security formations and other clients across Africa.
He noted that the Ministry of Defence has remained committed to assisting the company in achieving its projects and initiatives, especially given its critical role in supporting military operations within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, since assuming office, the ministry has provided sustained support by facilitating the issuance of End User Certificates and securing tax exemptions through the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service, to ease the importation of raw materials required for production.
The permanent secretary stressed that maintaining close collaboration with the ministry would require continuous integrity and quality checks on items supplied to clients, particularly those outside Nigeria.
He added that the quality of products and services rendered would significantly influence patronage and the company’s reputation internationally.
In his response, EPRIL Managing Director, Kola Balogun, expressed appreciation for the visit and the ministry’s continued support, pledging sustained cooperation in all operations.
EPRIL is an indigenous defence company specialising in the production of military operational tools and security-related equipment, serving as one of the key suppliers to the Nigerian military and other international clients.
Pheelangwa also extended his familiarisation visit to Proforce Group Limited, also located in Ogun State.
He acknowledged the company’s growth over the years, describing it as Nigeria’s first and only indigenous defence contractor specialising in the design and manufacture of armoured vehicles and security systems for land and naval applications.
He commended PROFORCE for its contributions to national security and urged the company to continue providing durable defence solutions that strengthen military operations across Nigeria and the African region.
Reiterating the ministry’s support, Pheelangwa said government assistance in areas such as End User Certificates and tax exemptions would continue to help ease access to essential raw materials for production.
PROFORCE Managing Director, Ade Ogundeyin, thanked the ministry for recognising the company’s efforts and pledged ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Defence.
The visits underscore the government’s renewed drive to strengthen indigenous defence production while ensuring high standards of quality and accountability in Nigeria’s defence supply chain.
