Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the EVC of NASENI, is actively involved in establishing an ammunition production factory in Nigeria. This venture has the potential to significantly enhance the nation’s defense capabilities. With the Nigerian Armed Forces requiring 200 million rounds of ammunition annually, costing the government approximately two dollars per round, Halilu’s efforts to establish partnerships promoting local production are timely and essential.
During a recent signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Defence and NASENI, Halilu emphasized the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s scientific and engineering expertise to achieve self-sufficiency in military hardware production. He envisions a collaboration between NASENI and the Ministry of Defence to create a robust ecosystem supporting the armed forces’ needs while concurrently fostering local industry growth. This partnership reflects a commitment to not only improve the operational capabilities of Nigeria’s military but also reduce the nation’s dependency on imports, which has long hampered the development of a self-sufficient defense sector.
Halilu advocates for innovation, believing that the rapid advancement of technology and local manufacturing capabilities can empower the Nigerian military. He asserts that, through NASENI’s expertise in material science, robotics, and advanced manufacturing, Nigeria can equip its armed forces with state-of-the-art tools essential for national defense.
Halilu envisions the Military Industrial Complex (MIC) as a central hub for the research, development, and production of military equipment, ranging from small arms to advanced defense systems. This initiative aims to fulfill the immediate needs of the Armed Forces and position Nigeria as a potential hub for military exports in the future.
Halilu reflected on the historical challenges Nigeria has faced in building a self-reliant defense industry, attributing some of those setbacks to previous administrations’ failures to prioritize local manufacturing. However, he remains optimistic about the current trajectory.
He noted, “This MOU represents the beginning of a long-term collaboration to enhance our defense capabilities through innovation and indigenous production. It is our firm belief that through this partnership, we will lay the foundation of a self-reliant defense industry that can meet the needs of our armed forces and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.”
Under Halilu’s leadership, NASENI has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement across various sectors, including defense. His track record in research and development manufacturing shows a clear commitment to nurturing a local ecosystem that strengthens national capabilities. The establishment of an ammunition production facility marks a significant milestone in this journey. The collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Defence, as highlighted by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle during the MOU signing, signal a new era for Nigeria’s military capabilities.
