Shettima to NDA: Aspire to produce military hardware for home use, export

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) to consider producing military hardware for local use and export.

Shettima gave the advice on Thursday at the convocation ceremony of the 70 regular course cadets and postgraduate students of NDA in Kaduna.

Shettima, who was represented by Muhammad Badaru, minister of defence, said education plays a paramount role in enhancing the nation’s security.

The vice-president said education is key in technological advancements, and innovations and provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for development.

“An educated society is more resilient and adaptable to changing circumstances,” Shettima said.

“It is in this regard that we must continue to bear in mind that the NDA cadets, having been equipped with outstanding military education and training, will be joining our country’s armed forces at a time when Nigeria needs their expertise, mostly for our national defence as well as internal security management.

“The NDA should aspire to commence the production of made-in-Nigeria military hardware not only for home consumption but for export.

“I challenge you all to strive to print your names in gold by breaking the records set by your predecessors. This is a reflection of the standard of education in the academy.”

Shettima further advised the cadets to maintain the highest standard at all times, saying they are important in the fight against insecurity in the country.

“Currently, the multiple security challenges confronting the country have become overlapping and pose very serious challenges to public policy,” he said.

He added that the government would address the root causes of instability and insecurity through policy and governance initiatives.

Shettima said national security is not the duty of the government alone, adding that all stakeholders must be involved.