DICON @60: FG Woos Investors to Boost Local Military Arms Production

DICON @60: FG Woos Investors to Boost Local Military Arms Production

The Federal Government on Monday has called on local and international investors to partner with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to enhance domestic production of military arms and equipment.

Speaking at DICON’s 60th-anniversary celebration in Abuja, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawalle, emphasized the need for investment in the defence sector to reduce reliance on foreign imports.

“The new DICON Act 2023 has the potential to attract investments, boost foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and reduce capital flight,” Mattawalle said.

The Minister highlighted DICON’s 60-year journey as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production. “We invite investors to collaborate with us to advance our defence capabilities and contribute to national security.”

The anniversary coincided with the launch of the maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference (ADIC) to promote strategic partnerships, innovation, and technological advancements in defence production.

Mattawalle encouraged innovators, startups, and research institutions to participate in the Defence Innovation Challenge, showcasing cutting-edge solutions to enhance national and regional security.

Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, announced plans to sign an MoU with the Ministry of Mining and Steel to revitalize production for military equipment.

Kana emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing dependence on foreign arms imports, citing the importance of local steel production for military vehicles.

He said the President has mandated prioritizing locally produced goods for arms and ammunition procurement, supported by the Bureau of Public Procurement adding that the ministry has collaborates with other government bodies to strengthen the country’s military-industrial complex.

“For companies producing in Nigeria, recent developments have solidified the importance of local manufacturing. The President has mandated that any ministry, agency, or department of government using public funds to procure arms or ammunition must prioritize locally produced goods. The Bureau of Public Procurement has been instructed not to issue ‘No Objection’ certificates to any entity that fails to meet this requirement. This initiative is a significant step towards boosting local production and self-sufficiency.

He said: “This approach mirrors successful strategies from other countries, such as South Africa, where investment in the military-industrial complex has yielded substantial returns within a few years. In Nigeria, we are now entering into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to begin the production of small arms and ammunition domestically. I can confidently say that in the next two years, Nigeria will significantly reduce its dependence on foreign arms imports.

As for the military-industrial complex (MIC) in Nigeria, it is essential to understand that this initiative involves a collaboration of government organizations. We are focusing on increasing the procurement of locally produced goods. The Public Procurement Act supports this by giving priority to Nigerian-made products. This not only boosts our local economy but also creates jobs and reduces the strain on foreign exchange.”

Regarding the progress of capital projects, the perm. Sec, said the Minister of Steel has been actively working towards the reactivation of key plants responsible for producing materials relevant to the MIC. For example, steel production, which is vital for military equipment like armored vehicles, is a priority. The Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring that these materials are produced locally, reducing our reliance on imports.”

According to him, Moreover, the Minister has encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs to invest in these projects, ensuring that our country’s resources benefit our people first. This approach ensures that Nigerian companies are at the forefront of these developments, fostering a sense of ownership and national pride.

Major General Aniedi Edet, DICON Director General, showcased the corporation’s expanded capabilities, including production of uniforms, advanced technology, unmanned ground vehicles, drones, and medium-caliber ammunition.

Edet highlighted DICON’s contributions to the armed forces, emphasizing innovation, self-sufficiency, and security.

“Regarding DICON’s contributions to the armed forces, our mandate now extends beyond arms and ammunition. DICON is involved in producing a wide range of military equipment, from uniforms to advanced technology like unmanned ground vehicles, drones, and medium-caliber ammunition. We have already begun supplying these products and are continuously expanding our capabilities to meet the needs of our armed forces.

“In the last six years, DICON has much to celebrate. Established in 1964, DICON has played a critical role in supporting Nigeria’s defense efforts, especially following the Civil War. We are celebrating our ongoing fulfillment of the mandate to ensure self-sufficiency in military equipment, as well as the new opportunities created by recent legislation signed by the President. This new act has opened up significant potential for DICON, fostering strategic partnerships that are essential for our continued  growth,” he said.