The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting indigenous defence manufacturing companies, while stressing the need for sustained product quality and integrity checks, particularly for items meant for export.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, made this known on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, during a familiarisation visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPRIL) in Ogun State.
Commending the company for its contributions to Nigeria’s security architecture, Pheelangwa urged EPRIL to maintain high standards in the production of durable and reliable military equipment for Nigerian security agencies and other African countries.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations at the ministry, Ms Enderline Chukwu, the Permanent Secretary assured the company of the Federal Government’s continued collaboration and institutional support.
Pheelangwa noted that EPRIL plays a critical role in supporting military operations in Nigeria and across the African region, adding that the Ministry of Defence has consistently demonstrated its commitment to assisting the company in delivering its projects and initiatives.
“Since assuming office, the ministry has sustained its support to EPRIL by facilitating the issuance of End User Certificates and securing tax exemptions from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service to ease the importation of critical raw materials,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, however, emphasised the importance of continuous integrity and quality checks on defence equipment, especially those supplied to international clients.
“The quality of the products and services rendered will determine the level of patronage from clients, particularly outside Nigeria. This makes sustained collaboration and strict integrity checks imperative,” Pheelangwa stressed.
The Managing director of EPRIL, Mr Kola Balogun, expressed appreciation for the visit and the support received from the ministry, pledging the company’s continued cooperation with government authorities.
“We are grateful for the ministry’s support and remain committed to continuous collaboration in all our operations,” Balogun said.
EPRIL is an indigenous defence company specialising in the production of military operational tools and security equipment, and is a key supplier to the Nigerian military and international clients.
In a related development, Pheelangwa also paid a familiarisation visit to Proforce Group Limited, also located in Ogun State.
He acknowledged the company’s growth over the years, describing Proforce 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.
The Permanent Secretary commended Proforce’s contributions to national security and urged the company to sustain the production of durable and effective defence solutions for military operations in Nigeria and across Africa.
He reiterated the ministry’s support for Proforce, including assistance in Obtaining End User Certificates and tax exemptions to facilitate the importation of raw materials required for its projects.
“The Ministry of Defence remains committed to continuous collaboration with indigenous defence manufacturers to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture,” Pheelangwa said.
The Managing Director of Proforce Group, Engr. Ade Ogundeyin, thanked the ministry for recognising the company’s efforts and pledged sustained collaboration with the government.
“We appreciate the ministry’s support and assure of our continued partnership in advancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities,” Ogundeyin stated.
