The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, emphasized on Monday that the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria has the capability to manufacture arms and ammunition for the country’s security forces, as well as for other nations on the continent.
According to The PUNCH, Matawalle highlighted that several African countries are now sourcing their military hardware from DICON, underscoring the corporation’s growing reputation as a reliable defense manufacturer in the region.
Established in 1964, DICON was initially created to enhance Nigeria’s national security by producing weapons domestically and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign arms suppliers.
However, despite its long-standing existence, Nigeria has continued to rely heavily on imported arms to tackle the persistent security threats posed by terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violence.
During a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate DICON’s 60th anniversary and to introduce the maiden Africa Defence Industries conference, Matawalle reassured the public of DICON’s production capabilities.
“We assure you that we have the capacity, we can produce, and as you know, many countries, many African countries now are coming to DICON for the procurement of their arms and ammunition,” he stated.
Reflecting on the corporation’s history, the minister noted that DICON began its operations by manufacturing small arms, but has since expanded its expertise.
“DICON’s journey began with a modest start, focusing on the production of small arms and ammunition. Over the years, DICON has expanded its capabilities, venturing into the manufacture of military vehicles, artillery, and other defence equipment,” Matawalle explained.
Despite the various obstacles DICON has faced over the decades, the minister praised the corporation’s persistence, attributing its progress to a steadfast commitment to self-reliance and national security.
He further remarked, “DICON’s 60-year journey is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production. Through collaboration and innovation, the corporation has established itself as a key player in the defence sector. As DICON continues to evolve, its contributions will remain crucial to Nigeria’s national security and economic growth.”
Matawalle also highlighted the significance of the recently enacted DICON Act, which he believes will play a vital role in advancing national development.
He said, “The new DICON Act 2023 has the potential to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s national development and national security by boosting foreign exchange earnings through local production of defence equipment, creating jobs for skilled Nigerians and reducing capital flight to foreign nations.”
As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance national and regional security, the minister urged innovators, startups, and research institutions to bring forward their cutting-edge solutions by participating in the Defence Innovation Challenge.
Adding to the discourse, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Abubakar Kana, made a bold declaration about Nigeria’s future in ammunition production.
He assured that within two years, Nigeria would cease importing 7.62mm ammunition, a key caliber used by the military.
“I can assure each and every one of us, in the next two years, Nigeria will not buy 7.62mm calibre ammunition again,” Kana asserted.
Kana further explained that the federal government has instructed all ministries, departments, and agencies to prioritize purchasing arms from DICON, reinforcing the government’s commitment to boosting local production.
He mentioned that the Public Procurement Act supports this initiative by mandating that any goods produced domestically, including military equipment, must be considered as a first option before resorting to imports.
“All procuring entities in the country have been mandated to put it as a first line before importation,” he added.
Kana concluded by emphasizing that any MDA wishing to procure arms must now seek clearance from the Ministry of Defence and will only be permitted to source weapons from abroad if DICON is unable to produce them locally.
This move is seen as a strategic step to bolster DICON’s production capabilities and ensure that Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in arms manufacturing.
