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Major General Olufemi Oluyede, the chief of defence staff–designate, has called for the development of a local military industrial complex and the restructuring of the Nigeria Police Force as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity.
Speaking during his screening by the Senate on Wednesday, Oluyede said Nigeria cannot continue to depend on foreign countries for its military hardware, describing the practice as unsustainable and expensive.
“For Nigeria to move forward, it is imperative that we develop our own local military industrial complex,” he said.
“We can’t keep buying equipment from outside because these things are extremely expensive.
“The country must build its capacity to produce the equipment required to prosecute wars and address the security challenges facing us.”
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He noted that insecurity in Nigeria has become more complex, encompassing terrorism, banditry, cyberattacks, and misinformation.
According to him, addressing these threats requires a collective national approach rather than leaving the task solely to the military.
“In doing better, it requires a whole-of-society approach.
“Everybody must be involved. It shouldn’t be left to the military alone to prosecute and face all these challenges,” he said.
Oluyede also emphasised the need to strengthen the police, pointing out that many internal security roles currently handled by the army fall within the mandate of the police.
He stated, “Most of the job currently being carried out by the military falls within the purview of the police.”
He said, “It’s important for the nation to empower the police, make it stronger and more formidable, so that they can do their job while we concentrate on defending Nigeria against external aggression.”
The Defence Chief–designate further underscored the importance of improving soldiers’ welfare, describing military service as a unique form of sacrifice that demands courage and dedication.
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“There’s something special about being a soldier. It entails sacrificing your life for others to live.
“When there’s danger, a right-thinking person retreats, but a soldier goes forward to face it,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged that limited resources have hindered efforts to improve the welfare of troops and their families, despite his commitment to prioritise their well-being.
Following his presentation, the Senate unanimously approved Oluyede’s nomination, allowing him to “take a bow and go.”
The decision followed a motion moved by Opeyemi Bamidele explaining that the Oluyede was screened last year for the position of the Chief of Army staff, following the death of Taoreed Lagbaja.
