Sixty-one years after the establishment of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the country still imports military hardware, including arms and ammunition.
DICON was established in 1964 to cater to the military’s needs, but six decades later, the Nigerian Military still relies heavily on imported military wares.
The Nigerian Military has budgeted N25,594,414,841 to procure the arms and ammunition needed for its operations in 2025.
In the 2025 appropriation bill before the National Assembly, the Armed Forces also budgeted N16,134,661,311 to procure protective kits such as uniforms, helmets, ballistic vests, etc.
This is in addition to budgetary provisions for other equipment, including aircraft, vehicle fuel costs and other logistics.
Interestingly, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) claims it exported arms and ammunition to African countries in 2024.
The budget proposal reviewed by LEADERSHIP also allocated N30,000,000 to establish a military-industrial complex in 2025.
In the 2025 proposal, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) earmarked N2,958,154,534 for personnel costs, N774,174,124 for overhead, and N4,207,994,534 for capital expenditures.
The ministry proposed N30,000,000 to establish a military-industrial complex (MIC).
The Defence Headquarters also earmarked N2,093,523,000 for procuring arms and ammunition for 2025.
In addition, the DHQ budgeted N1,845,522,682 to purchase military kits such as uniforms, helmets and boots.
The Nigerian Army, on its pqrt, budgeted N4,268,599,551 for aircraft fuel to prosecute its operations.
In the year under review, the Army earmarked N16,119,196,504 to train its personnel.
A breakdown of the budget proposal shows that N6,185,552,058 is earmarked for training locally, while N9,933,644,446 is voted for international training.
The Army also set aside N6,039,662,963 to purchase protective gear such as ballistic helmets and vests.An additional N2,999,475,666 is earmarked for uniforms and boots, N 23,500,891,841 for the purchase of all arms, and N22,188,621,237 for all ammunition.
In the same vein, the Navy budgeted N2,067,498,063 for personnel training: N1,193,822,507 for local training and N873,675,556 for foreign training. Another N8,908,976,425 is dedicated to other services.
Meanwhile, N8,908,976,425 is set aside for security operations,N15,094,074,453 for fuel and lubricants,N293,820,966 for motor vehicle fuel, and N235,056,772 for generator fuel.
Also, N 2,350,567,729 is for aircraft fuel and N12,214,628,986 for sea/boat fuel.
For the Nigerian Air Force, N6,755,901,000.is earmarked for training in the spending proposal for 2025, N902,450,000 is dedicated to local training and N5,853,451,000 foreign training.
Another N4,892,196,316 is earmarked for other services, N120,055,500 for security charges, N14,400,000 for office rent and N124,177,380 for residential rent.
The NAF also proposed N 4,612,299,304 for security operations, while cleaning, and fumigation services got N21,264,132. N5,250,000,000 is set aside for the purchase of uniforms and accoutrements.
A total of N 7,940,323,192 is proposed for DICON in the 2025 appropriation bill.
The document revealed that DICON budgeted N295,800,000 to procure raw weapons and ammunition production materials.
DICON also voted N292,650,000 for procuring of tools and toolings for weapons and ammunition lines.
The Corporation set aside N316,401,441 to provide and install fire hydrants at the Ordnance factory complex, while N161,159,806 is budgeted for the ongoing establishment of an effluent plant at the DICON Ordnance Factory. Another N296,500,000 is for renovating and upgrading the DICON exhibition and showroom.
DICON also proposed N114,299,108 to construct a blast-proof explosive research laboratory.
You’re Cornerstone Of National Security, Tinubu Tells Armed Forces
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Armed Forces of Nigeria as representing the cornerstone of Nigerian’s national security, and the embodiment of the collective result of hope, peace and integrity of the nation.
He assured the military that his government would continue prioritising service personnel’s welfare and well-being by ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively.
The president said this at the Regimental Dinner to. commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in 2025.
President Tinubu, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, said the occasion emphasised Nigerians’ shared dedication to the security and unity of the nation and the countless sacrifices made by men and women who have served.
He said that for those still in active service in the armed forces, it was necessary for all countrymen to remember those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty and to recognise their families who have shown remarkable strength and resilience in the face of loss.
He said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria is more than just a military establishment; it represents the cornerstone of national security, the embodiment of the collective result of hope, peace, and integrity of our dear nation.
“The dedication and professionalism exhibited by our service men and women should be a source of pride and inspiration to all Nigerians.”
He said the nation’s challenges demand courage, strength, innovation, and adaptability.
“We must continue to invest in our military’s capabilities, equipping them with the resources and support necessary to effectively address the evolving security challenges that confront us daily,” he stated.
The President congratulated award recipients for exemplary service and commitment and charged the military to use them as shining examples of what it means to serve this country selflessly with distinction.
“Your work not only contributes to the safety of our nation but also serves as motivation for others in the armed forces and beyond. You’re the lifeblood of our military; we celebrate you with great joy tonight.
“It is imperative that we remain steadfast in our support for our armed forces and work collectively towards enhanced security and progress in the country,” he said.
He, therefore, urged citizens to strengthen the bond of friendship and mutual respect that unite all citizens.
President Tinubu noted that the road ahead will not always be easy, “but we can overcome any challenge together.”
