The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening local defence production and sustaining collaboration with indigenous defence companies across Nigeria.
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Speaking during a familiarisation visit on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPRIL) in Ogun State, Pheelangwa praised the company for its role in supporting Nigeria’s security framework and encouraged it to continue producing reliable and durable equipment for military formations within Nigeria and across Africa.
He noted that because of EPRIL’s strategic contributions to military operations both locally and regionally, the ministry remains committed to supporting the company’s projects and initiatives. He explained that since assuming office, the ministry has helped facilitate key approvals for the company, including obtaining End User Certificates and securing tax exemptions through the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service to ease the importation of critical raw materials.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of maintaining strong collaboration with the ministry, adding that continuous integrity and quality checks must be upheld — especially for products supplied outside Nigeria — as product quality and service delivery directly influence client confidence and patronage.
In his response, EPRIL’s Managing Director, Mr. Kola Balogun, expressed appreciation for the visit and the ministry’s consistent support, pledging that the company would continue to work closely with the government in its operations.
EPRIL is an indigenous defence manufacturing firm that produces military operational tools and security equipment used by the Nigerian Armed Forces and other international clients.
Pheelangwa also visited Proforce Group Limited, also based in Ogun State, where he acknowledged the company’s growth into Nigeria’s leading indigenous defence contractor known for designing and manufacturing armoured vehicles and security systems for land and naval use.
He commended Proforce for its contributions to national security through locally produced defence solutions and urged the company to sustain its focus on quality, durability, and innovation in support of military operations across Nigeria and the wider African region.
Reiterating the ministry’s backing, he said efforts will continue to help the company obtain necessary certifications and tax waivers to support smooth importation of raw materials required for production. He again emphasized the need for sustained partnership between the ministry and defence manufacturers.
Proforce Managing Director, Engr. Ade Ogundeyin, welcomed the recognition and assured the ministry of the company’s continued cooperation and collaboration.
