DICON Targets 30m Ammunition Rounds Annually, Eyes Self-Sufficiency in Gunpowder
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has announced its capacity to produce 30 million rounds of ammunition annually, marking a significant step toward self-sufficiency in the country’s defence sector.
The Director General, Major General Babatunde Alaya, revealed this during a press briefing ahead of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX).
Maj.-Gen Alaya revealed that, until recently, Nigeria relied on imported gunpowder for ammunition production.
He noted that a newly signed memorandum of understanding with an international partner will allow DICON, in collaboration with SPARTA, to commence domestic production of gunpowder within the next eight months.
“Before now we import some gunpowder, but we have signed a memorandum of understanding with one of our international partners, and in about eight months’ time, we will start producing gunpowder in Nigeria.
“In addition to that, we have also signed a memorandum of understanding with another indigenous company to start producing marine-shaped charges for marine exploration.
“Additionally, we have some partner companies that are coming on board to produce ammunition, weapons and other equipment. For instance, we are already assembling completely knocked-down parts for weapons in partnership with D7G.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with other partners who are already producing the machinery and equipment.
“Additionally, we have some indigenous companies who are already producing Mine-resistant-ambush-protected vehicles, and other personnel carriers such as Proforce, E-PILS, Vanquish, Imperial, amongst others,” the DG said.
Speaking n the forthcoming AFRIDEX, the DICON boss said the event represents a landmark initiative designed to serve as a global platform for defense, security, and technology stakeholders to provide excellent ideas and to suggest cutting-edge innovations.
According to him, the event is poised to become Africa’s premier defense and security exhibition, reflecting Nigeria’s growing influence as a hub for industrial innovation, strategic cooperation, and global security collaboration.
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He said: “The exhibition will attract participants from across Africa, Europe, and Asia, including leading defence manufacturers, policymakers, security experts, and technocrats from the advanced industries. Over the four days, participants will engage in strategic forum, high-level discussions, program demonstrations, and exhibitions featuring the latest technologies in land, air, maritime, and sabotage defence systems.
“The event will serve as a meeting point for government agencies, armed forces, research institutions, and private investors, providing a vital ground for public-private partnership and cross-continental cooperation.
“For Nigeria, it presents an opportunity to demonstrate our readiness to lead Africa’s industrial defense; and it aligns perfectly with the federal government’s vision, and agendas.”
On his part, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, emphasized that the forthcoming exhibition is organized through a strategic collaboration between DICON and its international strategic partners, DMG Events, globally recognized for defense and industrial exhibitions
He noted that this partnership is designed to create a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing cutting-edge defense technologies, and fostering collaboration between Nigerian and international stakeholders.
Matawalle further explained that the exhibition aligns with the mandates under the newly enacted DICON Act 2023, which empowers the corporation to operate as a modern defense manufacturing entity.
The law grants DICON the authority to regulate the defense industrial sector, promote research and development, and actively engage both domestic and foreign partners to strengthen Nigeria’s defense capabilities and industrial base.
President of DMG event, Christopher Hudson, said Nigeria is hosting the event not only because the country is Africa’s largest economy, but also a regional leader in defense capabilities, industrial ambition and security cooperation across the continent.
“Defence investment and capability development are accelerating at a remarkable pace, I think, African nations and as a continent, allocated about $52 billion and that is projecting to increase an expanding program, maritime, cyber and space domains.
“These efforts are driving modernization, strengthening Corporation and opening opportunities for industrial collaboration. It’s within that context that we are creating the African international Defence Exhibition,” he said.
Hudson said that the four days, which begin next year, will attract 30,000 attendees from over 100 companies, and over 500 exhibition companies.
“It will offer access to global technologies, sovereign capability partners and regional solutions aligned with Africa’s operational realities,” he said.
By PRNigeria
