Federal Government is actively searching for new suppliers to meet the country’s ammunition needs, according to a recent report by African Intelligence.
This initiative, which is being led by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, is part of an effort to bolster Nigeria’s defense capabilities amidst rising global demand for ammunition.
The African Intelligence report, obtained by The PUNCH on Saturday, highlighted that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria is currently limited in its production, manufacturing only small-caliber ammunition, specifically in the 7.62mm and 9mm range, at its factory in Kaduna, located in northern Nigeria.
“Dicon currently produces only small-calibre ammunition (7.62 and 9mm) in its factories based in Kaduna in northern Nigeria, while RDM manufactures a range of ammunition starting at 40mm.
“Dicon has recently made several attempts to build international partnerships to develop local arms production in Nigeria.”
However, the report indicated that DICON has been in talks with Rheinmetall Denel Munitions, an ammunition manufacturer known for producing shells as large as 40mm, in hopes of establishing a partnership.
According to the report, “The defence ministry headed by Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the head of the army General Christopher Musa are leading a drive to find new ammunition suppliers for Abuja.”
The current limitation of DICON’s production capacity has driven the Nigerian government to explore broader options for sourcing ammunition.
While small-caliber rounds remain a key part of Nigeria’s military arsenal, there is now an urgent focus on securing artillery rounds, specifically the 155mm shells, which have become more expensive due to their extensive use in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The report added, “The Nigerian high command has also launched consultations with suppliers to rapidly equip its artillery with 155mm shells. These supplies have become much more expensive on the defence market since the start of the war between Ukraine and Russia in which these shells are extensively used.”
The global scarcity and price hikes of ammunition have made it increasingly difficult for nations like Nigeria to equip their armed forces effectively.
DICON’s recent attempts to build international partnerships reflect Nigeria’s desire to enhance its local arms production capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
The consultations and partnerships are part of a larger strategy to ensure that Nigeria’s military is adequately equipped in the face of rising defense costs and geopolitical tensions.
