https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250828/necessity-birthed-ingenuity-former-nigerian-defense-chief-on-building-homegrown-military-vehicles-1077312039.html
‘Necessity Birthed Ingenuity’: Former Nigerian Defense Chief on Building Homegrown Military Vehicles
‘Necessity Birthed Ingenuity’: Former Nigerian Defense Chief on Building Homegrown Military Vehicles
Sputnik Africa
Across Africa, the quest for security self-reliance is inseparable from broader struggles for sovereignty. Nations confronted by insurgencies and shifting... 28.08.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-08-28T11:00+0200
2025-08-28T11:00+0200
2025-08-28T11:00+0200
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‘Necessity Birthed Ingenuity’: Former Nigerian Defense Chief on Building Homegrown Military Vehicles
Sputnik Africa
Across Africa, the quest for security self-reliance is inseparable from broader struggles for sovereignty. Nations confronted by insurgencies and shifting battlefields are realizing that importing solutions is not enough. Homegrown defense innovation is emerging as both a necessity and a symbol of continental resilience.
Nigeria reflects this continental reality most vividly. Years of conflict exposed how heavily its military depended on foreign suppliers, often leaving troops vulnerable when imported equipment failed. For Major General Victor Ezukwu (Retd.), former Director General of the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), these challenges marked a turning point. Out of that urgency was born the Ezukwu MRAP, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle tailored to Nigeria’s climate, terrain, and operational needs.
Nigeria reflects this continental reality most vividly. Years of conflict exposed how heavily its military depended on foreign suppliers, often leaving troops vulnerable when imported equipment failed. For Major General Victor Ezukwu (Retd.), former Director General of the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), these challenges marked a turning point. Out of that urgency was born the Ezukwu MRAP, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle tailored to Nigeria’s climate, terrain, and operational needs.In an enlightening discussion with Global South Pole, Ezukwu explained that his innovation was driven by the determination to shield soldiers with equipment designed for Nigeria’s realities, not machines built for foreign conditions.Yet, even as he celebrated local ingenuity, the retired general stressed that Nigeria cannot advance alone. He urged partnerships that deliver real technology transfer, highlighting Russia’s strengths in artificial intelligence, satellite imaging, and precision weaponry as vital areas where collaboration could enhance Nigeria’s defense future.To listen to what the General had to say, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, Overcast, and Mave Stream.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole.
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nigeria, russia, podcasts, military exercises, military, military cooperation, military base, military drills, military aid, defense ministry, defense, defense minister, innovation, technology, digital technology , artificial intelligence (ai), arms supplies, landmines, research, african union (au), economic community of west african states (ecowas), аудио, missiles, tank
nigeria, russia, podcasts, military exercises, military, military cooperation, military base, military drills, military aid, defense ministry, defense, defense minister, innovation, technology, digital technology , artificial intelligence (ai), arms supplies, landmines, research, african union (au), economic community of west african states (ecowas), аудио, missiles, tank
‘Necessity Birthed Ingenuity’: Former Nigerian Defense Chief on Building Homegrown Military Vehicles
Aliyu Bello
Correspondent, Podcast Host
Across Africa, the quest for security self-reliance is inseparable from broader struggles for sovereignty. Nations confronted by insurgencies and shifting battlefields are realizing that importing solutions is not enough. Homegrown defense innovation is emerging as both a necessity and a symbol of continental resilience.
Nigeria reflects this continental reality most vividly. Years of conflict exposed how heavily its military depended on foreign suppliers, often leaving troops vulnerable when imported equipment failed. For Major General Victor Ezukwu (Retd.), former Director General of the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), these challenges marked a turning point. Out of that urgency was born the Ezukwu MRAP, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle tailored to Nigeria’s climate, terrain, and operational needs.
In an enlightening discussion with Global South Pole, Ezukwu explained that his innovation was driven by the determination to shield soldiers with equipment designed for Nigeria’s realities, not machines built for foreign conditions.
“Most of the cars we import, the armored vehicles, some of them are not in tandem with our climate in Nigeria. Some of them, they produce them in winter countries. So when the heat level in Nigeria goes up to 50, 60 degrees, these vehicles, they kaput; they don’t work. So I went into this equipment production, this Ezukwu MRAP production, because I wanted a homegrown vehicle that is good for Nigeria, that is weather-friendly, climate-friendly for Nigerian troops,” General Ezukwu stressed.
Yet, even as he celebrated local ingenuity, the retired general stressed that Nigeria cannot advance alone. He urged partnerships that deliver real technology transfer, highlighting Russia’s strengths in artificial intelligence, satellite imaging, and precision weaponry as vital areas where collaboration could enhance Nigeria’s defense future.
To listen to what the General had to say, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole. 
