CDS Inspects DICON Facilities, Restates Support for Local Defence Industry
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s self-reliance in military equipment production.
General Oluyede gave the assurance during a strategic visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory in Kakuri, Kaduna, where he inspected production and research facilities and assessed the corporation’s progress in advancing local defence manufacturing.
During the visit, the Director-General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Major General BI Alaya, briefed the CDS on the corporation’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future development plans. The briefing highlighted DICON’s efforts to expand indigenous production capacity and strengthen operational support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
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General Oluyede toured key production units and the corporation’s Research and Development facilities, where several locally developed defence products were showcased. He commended the management and workforce of DICON for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s indigenous defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.
The CDS noted that the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on local defence production is critical to improving the operational readiness of the Armed Forces, reducing dependence on imported military hardware, conserving foreign exchange and ensuring sustainable logistics support for the nation’s security forces.
He reiterated the Defence Headquarters’ unwavering support for DICON’s transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.
According to him, strengthening local defence production remains a strategic priority in building a resilient, self-sufficient and technologically advanced military capable of responding effectively to emerging security challenges.
The visit, according to Defence Headquarters, reflects the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment under General Oluyede’s leadership to promoting innovation, encouraging indigenous research and development, and advancing Nigeria’s defence industrialisation agenda.
The CDS was accompanied on the visit by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General OT Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General ASM Wase, and other senior military officers.
By PRNigeria
