Defence Ministry seals support pact as Pheelangwa tours EPRIL, Proforce factories in Ogun
By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Federal Government has doubled down on its push for indigenous defence manufacturing, as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, reaffirmed unwavering government backing for local arms and equipment producers, while issuing a stern charge on quality control, integrity checks and export standards.
Pheelangwa gave the assurance on Wednesday during a familiarisation tour of key defence manufacturing firms in Ogun State, a visit that underscored Abuja’s strategic resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through homegrown solutions.
First stop was Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPRIL), where the Permanent Secretary praised the company’s growing footprint in military and security support across Nigeria and the African region.
He described EPRIL as a critical pillar in the nation’s defence supply chain and urged the management to sustain the production of durable, mission-ready equipment that meets both local and international demands.
According to him, the Ministry of Defence has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the company’s success, particularly in easing bureaucratic bottlenecks that could hinder production timelines.
“Since assuming office, the ministry has sustained its support for EPRIL, especially in facilitating End User Certificates, securing tax exemptions from the Federal Ministry of Finance, and working with the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure seamless importation of critical raw materials,” Pheelangwa said.
However, the Permanent Secretary made it clear that government support comes with expectations.
He stressed that continuous collaboration with the ministry must go hand in hand with rigorous integrity checks on all products—especially items destined for export.
According to him, product quality and service delivery would ultimately determine the level of confidence and patronage EPRIL enjoys from both local and international clients.
In his response, EPRIL’s Managing Director, Mr. Kola Balogun, expressed gratitude for the visit and the ministry’s sustained backing, pledging the company’s continued alignment with government standards and objectives.
EPRIL, an indigenous defence firm, is a major producer of military operational tools and security equipment and remains one of the Nigerian military’s key suppliers, with a growing international client base.
The Permanent Secretary also extended the tour to Proforce Group Limited, another Ogun-based defence powerhouse, where he acknowledged the company’s rise into Nigeria’s first and only indigenous defence contractor specialising in the design and manufacture of armoured vehicles and security systems for land and naval operations.
Pheelangwa commended Proforce for delivering comprehensive defence solutions that have strengthened military operations and enhanced national security capacity.
He urged the firm to maintain its momentum by producing robust and reliable equipment capable of supporting military formations across Nigeria and Africa.
Reiterating government support, he noted that the ministry would continue to facilitate End User Certificates, tax waivers and Customs clearances to ensure unhindered access to essential production inputs.
He again called for sustained collaboration, stressing that Nigeria’s defence industrial base can only thrive through synergy between government and credible private-sector players.
Managing Director of Proforce Group, Engr. Ade Ogundeyin, welcomed the ministry’s recognition and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continuous partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
The twin factory visits, observers say, signal a clear policy direction: Nigeria is not only determined to secure its borders but also to position itself as a credible defence manufacturing hub for Africa on the strength of quality, integrity and strategic collaboration.
