CDS Pushes Border Synergy, Indigenous Defence Production at JDWC Inaugural Lecture
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede has outlined a new strategic direction for the Armed Forces, declaring that border security cooperation and indigenous defence production are central to addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.
Oluyede according to a press release e-signed by the Director, Defence Information, SAMAILA UBA (Major General) stated this while delivering his speech at the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC), where he emphasized the military’s shift toward self-reliance and enhanced inter-service collaboration.
According to him, “border security and indigenous technological advancement are key pillars of Nigeria’s future defense projection,” stressing the need for a coordinated approach to tackling multifaceted threats.
He disclosed that the Armed Forces are focusing on boosting local production capacity.
The CDS revealed that the military is prioritizing “the strengthening of local defence production through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other local manufacturers,” while also acknowledging “the important role of border security to our internal security and the need to maintain good relations and cooperation with our neighbouring countries.”
Oluyede further stressed the importance of joint operations among the services.
He reiterated “the importance of synergy and joint military operations,” noting that “single service efforts will not always bring out the desired operational outcomes.”
The Defence Chief added that outcomes from the lecture would be escalated to top policy-making bodies to ensure implementation.
He revealed that the outcome “would be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to secure broader stakeholder buy-in and support.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa underscored the need for collective national effort in addressing insecurity.
He described the nation’s security strategy as a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach,” emphasizing that collaboration across all sectors is essential.
Musa highlighted the role of the JDWC as a hub for military integration, stating that “true operational superiority is achieved only when ground, naval, and air forces act as a single, overwhelming entity supported by the vigilance of the Nigerian citizenry.”
Earlier, the Director General of the Centre, AE. Edet outlined progress made since its establishment, assuring stakeholders of continued innovation.
He pledged that the JDWC would remain “relentlessly focused” on pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation to ensure collective national security and prosperity.
The inaugural lecture marks a milestone in institutionalising joint military doctrine and enhancing national defence coordination, drawing participation from top military officials, diplomats, and security stakeholders.
