DIAN inaugurates committee to drive Nigeria’s defence manufacturing agenda

The Defence Industry Association of Nigeria (DIAN) has sought to intensify efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, promote technology transfer and deepen collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders.

This was as it elected a new executive committee to steer the association’s affairs to that effect.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Ogonna Okonkwo, the association’s Secretary-General, who said the newly elected leadership would provide strategic direction for the body as it works to support the Federal Government’s drive towards a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry.

According to the statement, B.I. Alaya of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) emerged as chairman of the Association, while Saifullahi Babangida of Vinicius Global Link Ltd was elected Vice Chairman.

Other members of the executive committee include Ogonna Okonkwo of DICON-SMARTFIT Ltd as General Secretary; Otunba Adedotun Henry Bademosi of Phylote Nigeria Limited as Financial Secretary; Chuks Ekwueme of UNICCON Group of Companies (BabaSky) as Treasurer; Sunday Akhigbe of White-Hat Consults Ltd as Welfare Secretary; Bem Ibrahim Garba of DICON Gray Insignia Nigeria Ltd as Publicity Secretary; and Charles Ibanga of X-Shield Solutions Company Limited as Assistant Financial Secretary.

The association said the new leadership takes office at a critical period when Nigeria is seeking to expand domestic defence production and reduce dependence on foreign military hardware amid evolving security challenges.

DIAN described itself as the leading industry body representing organisations operating across Nigeria’s defence, security, aerospace and related industrial sectors.

It noted that the association serves as a strategic platform for collaboration among government institutions, private companies, research organisations and international partners to accelerate the development of indigenous defence capabilities.

According to the association, strengthening Nigeria’s domestic defence industry has become increasingly important in enhancing national security, promoting innovation, encouraging technology transfer and supporting sustainable industrial development.

It added that a stronger defence industrial base would improve the country’s self-reliance in military production, create employment opportunities, stimulate economic diversification, develop technical skills and attract greater investment into Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector.

The association also reiterated its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s vision of building a resilient defence manufacturing industry capable of meeting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies while positioning the country as a regional hub for defence technology and industrial capability.

The newly elected executive committee expressed appreciation to the immediate past leadership of the association for laying a solid foundation through improved stakeholder engagement, stronger industry collaboration and enhanced visibility for Nigeria’s indigenous defence sector.

It pledged to build on those achievements by expanding membership participation, strengthening partnerships with government institutions and development agencies, promoting innovation, advancing local content initiatives and creating more opportunities for Nigerian defence companies to compete effectively in both domestic and international markets.

The committee also acknowledged the support of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the Armed Forces of Nigeria, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, industry partners and members of the Association.

It reaffirmed its determination to continue advocating policies that will strengthen Nigeria’s defence industrial capacity while contributing to national security, economic growth and long-term industrial resilience.

The association maintained that sustained collaboration among industry players, government institutions and development partners would be essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a regional leader in defence manufacturing and technology, stressing that DIAN would continue to serve as the collective voice of the country’s defence industrial ecosystem.