EuroAfrica-Magazine Online

A Nigerian made armoured car was launched by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua at the eagle square in Abuja, last week. It is the first locally manufactured armoured carrier, with most of the materials used in its production sourced from Nigeria.  Nigeria's first locally manufactured armoured carrierThe carrier was built by two Nigerian brothers, Victor and Johnson Obasa, who recently returned from the U.S. hoping to use their talents in boosting security and creating employment. The brothers own a company named Mobile Truck Technology, where they built the first Nigerian armoured car.

According to Johnson Obasa, the local production of the armoured car would help in upgrading the nation's security status. "It will promote up to 50% security in the country, it is something to protect the armoured personnel in their line of duty and it can work anywhere. We also did it to create employment," he said. Victor Obasa stated that they were in a better position to create this kind of transport since they are from Nigeria and understand the Nigerian terrain.

The locally produced armoured carrier will cost the government almost half the price of importing such hardware from foreign manufacturers. The carrier has been field tested, and withstood direct hits from a variety of short and long range ammunition, with little or no damage. The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Adamu Aliero, who represented the president at the launch, said it was commendable that Nigerians with talents come home and contribute to the nation's development.

He disclosed that the President had pledged to help Mobile Truck Technology access the materials they need to mass-produce the vehicle. He also called on Nigerians within and outside the country with such talents to contribute to the development of their country.