Engr. Kola Gbolasere Balogun, the chairman of Equipment & Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) has assured that the company can meet all the defence equipment, surveillance systems and technological solutions requirements of the Nigeria armed forces and other security agencies.
He gave the assurance when the company hosted the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Abubakar Badaru, at its factory complex located in Orimerunmu, along the Lagos/Ibadan expressway.
Balogun disclosed that EPAIL was established to deepen technology, research and development indigenously to service the ordinance and technological needs of the security agencies, armed forces and private security firms.
In his welcome address, Balongun explained that the company, though an indigenous company, is manufacturing in line with the best-known global standards.
In his response, Alhaji Badaru, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana and several other senior staff of the Ministry said the newly assented 2023 Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill by President Bola Tinubu will facilitate research, development and production in the defence sector and aid the growth of the local industry in the manufacturing of defence gadgets and equipment.
Badaru commended the management of Equipment Protective and Application International Limited for its massive investment in local manufacturing of Defence Gadget and equipment, which includes: the bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, guard booths (armoured) and assembling of light Armoured Assault Vehicles.
Badaru expressed satisfaction with the level of investment and capacity in the company.
“I am impressed and satisfied with this. Given time and patronage, I believe they can do more and more. With Ajaokuta Steel coming on board, we can see ourselves doing 70 to 80 per cent of the production locally,” he said.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana noted that the federal government is interested in deepening local production in the Defence industry and that he has been directed to prioritise local manufacturers to encourage investors and boost the economy through massive job creation in the sector.
Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) is a member of the MOMAS Group of Companies and was established with the goal of advancing local technology research and development in order to provide effective security solutions to safeguard lives and properties.
