Director-General, Defence Research and Development Bureau, AVM Jumo Osahor, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria will require about N9bn annually for the provision of military boots in order to meet soldiers’ kitting needs.
Osahor made this known in a paper he delivered during the Third Annual National Conference organised by the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists of Nigeria at the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.
The theme of the conference was: “The Contributions of Leather Science, Technology and Innovation to the Nigerian Economy and National Security.”
The Commandant spoke on “Indigenous Leather Production and Military Kitting: The Armed Forces of Nigeria Perspective.”
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria, comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force all utilise leather materials as part of their military kitting.
Declaring the conference open, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, gave the assurance that the ministry would partner with any professional body interested in any research field that would enhance the growth and diversification of the economy.
PUNCH/JUDE