CORRUPTION AND LACK OF FUNDS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEFENSE INDUSTRY POOR PERFORMANCE

Prof. David Alabi of the Nigeria Defense Academy, Kaduna., a Professor of Political Science and Defense Studies, said to the newsmen in Abuja on Sunday that corruption and inadequate funding are critical elements required to develop Nigeria’s defence industry.

He said corruption and impunity in the industry needed to be fought to a standstill effective development to achieved in the defense sector of the economy. “It is a sector where there is no democracy; you cannot question your boss; leaders in the sector prefer to import arms because they can inflate price, cut corners and steal money,’’ he said further that the government is not financing the industry well without which a meaningful development can occur.

He however regret that the Defense Industries Corporation (DICON), established since 1964, is only able to produce bullets, dicon salt and furniture- a condition he described as “unfortunate’’ and “pitiable’’- while its counterparts in Brazil and India are producing aircraft and Armoured Personnel Carrier.

Alabi also explained that soldiers whose allowances were not paid after sacrificing and risking  their lives in Darfur for two years on a peacekeeping mission, had to protest before they were eventually paid.

Finally he advised Buhari to endeavor to address the lapses in the defense industry and that with the current national and global security challenges,it is not appropriate for Nigeria to continue to depend on other nations for arms and ammunition. He said it was high time Nigeria started producing its own arms and ammunition.