NDC Course 33 Graduation: Tinubu advocates local manufacture of military hardware; completion of permanent site
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to indigenous manufacturing of military hardware, stressing that it is critical to Nigeria’s security and long-term development.
Speaking on Friday at the graduation of 99 participants of Course 33, of the National Defence College (NDC) held at the college in Abuja, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said homegrown defence production would reduce external dependence and strengthen national resilience.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Tinubu said “I must also commend the tradition of research excellence in this College. Your Presidential Treaties on Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040 is a clear demonstration of this strength.
“I have directed that relevant stakeholders study your recommendations and harvest the strategies you proposed, because strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development,” the President said.
He hailed the choice of the theme for the College’s Course 33 — Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria — noting that his administration has prioritised strong institutions as the foundation of democracy, stability, and prosperity.
“They uphold the rule of law, safeguard citizens’ rights, promote accountability, and deliver essential services. In national security, they are the framework for managing conflict, countering threats, and building resilience against instability.
“In development, they ensure sound governance, effective planning, and the delivery of policies that serve the common good,” he said.
Tinubu said his administration’s commitment to complete the permanent site of the National Defense College (NDC) to enable the institution deliver strategic training for Nigeria and allied nations.
“I assure you that this administration is committed to completing the permanent site to ensure that the College continues to deliver strategic training not only for Nigeria but also for allied nations,” Tinubu said.
He directed the Commandant to work with the Minister of Defence to develop a strategy to upgrade the facilities.
“When fully equipped, this College can, and should, evolve into a Defence Postgraduate University,” he declared.
Addressing the graduands, Tinubu urged them to deploy their newly acquired knowledge to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions and contribute to national renewal.
“Graduates of Course 33, you step out today into a world more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous than when you began your course last year… But you have been prepared for this moment. You have been trained to think and act strategically. You have been equipped to lead with vision and courage,” he said.
He commended the Commandant, Rear Admiral James Okosu, the management, and the faculty for maintaining high standards of training.
Rear Admiral Okosu, in his remarks, expressed confidence in the graduates’ readiness to confront security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and oil theft.
Deputy Commandant Major General Kevin Ukandu added that the course exposed participants to defence management, geopolitics, and strategic planning to prepare them for leadership roles in the military, government, and allied nations.
Graduands of Course 33 were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, other security agencies, as well as participants from friendly countries.
The event was attended by top defence chiefs, including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, alongside the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
