The Federal Government says Nigeria is on track to export arms and ammunition through the revitalised Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
This was as the country’s defence capabilities and bid to achieve self-reliance in military hardware production got a boost on Wednesday, with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The MoU marked a strategic partnership to transform the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) into a leading military-industrial complex.
Speaking at the event, Bello Matawale, minister of defence, expressed optimism about the future of DICON, noting that the agency was on the path to becoming a significant player in the global defence industry.
The country is grappling with a significant demand for ammunition, with the military alone requiring approximately 200 million rounds each year, according to Matawalle.
“When factoring in the needs of other paramilitary forces and the police, the total annual requirement surges to 350 million rounds.
“For the last 60 years, DICON has struggled to fulfil its potential, but today marks a new era.
“With the support of President Bola Tinubu and the inclusion of talented young leaders, we are confident that DICON will soon be exporting military equipment, reducing our reliance on imports, and strengthening Nigeria’s defence infrastructure”, Matawalle said.
The partnership between MOD, NASENI, and the Ministry of Steel Development, which oversees the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, is expected to create a robust ecosystem for the production of military hardware, ranging from small arms to advanced defence systems.
The Ajaokuta Steel Plant, located on 24,000 hectares of land, will play a pivotal role in supplying the raw materials needed for the production of military equipment.
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Shuaibu Audu, minister of Steel Development, highlighted the strategic importance of Ajaokuta in this initiative.
“Ajaokuta provides the perfect platform for the military-industrial complex. With its vast resources and existing infrastructure, it can support the production of helmets, vests, rifles, bullets, and even military tanks,” Audu stated.
The collaboration is not only expected to enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities but also to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and reducing the country’s dependence on imports.
Ibrahim Kana, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence, emphasised the whole-of-government approach being employed to ensure the success of this initiative.
“By working together with the private sector, we are laying the foundation for a self-reliant defence industry that can meet the needs of our armed forces and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth,” Kana said.
Khalil Halilu, NASENI’s CEO, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the agency’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
“This MOU represents the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing our defence capabilities through innovation and indigenous production.
“We owe it to our nation and the generations yet to be born to ensure that the vision of the Nigerian Military-Industrial Complex becomes a reality”, Halilu said.
The partnership between MOD, NASENI, and the Ministry of Steel Development is set to redefine the country’s defence landscape, securing a stronger and more independent future for the nation.
