The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has disclosed that the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) now produces and supplies arms and ammunition to other African countries.
He disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists on DICON’s 60th anniversary and the maiden Africa Defence Industries conference launch, which will be held from 14 to 15 August 2024 in Abuja.
He said the anniversary celebration, with the theme “DICON @ 60: Future Frontiers in Africa’s Defence Technology,” underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to advancing defence capabilities through strategic partnerships, innovation, and technological advancements.
“But we assure you that we have the capacity, we can produce, and as you know, many African countries are now coming to DICON to procure their arms and ammunition.”
The Minister stated that 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.
DICON was established in 1964 to ensure defence manufacturing, contributing significantly to national security and technological advancement.
“This 60th anniversary marks a significant milestone in our journey of innovation, resilience, and dedication to our nation’s defence needs,” he said.
“Today, DICON is celebrating 60 years of dedicated service in producing and repairing military hardware and equipment. Since its establishment, DICON has played a crucial role in Nigeria’s defence sector, collaborating with indigenous companies to achieve excellence in military manufacturing,” he added.
He stated that DICON’s journey began with a modest start, focusing on producing small arms and ammunition. Over the years, the corporation expanded its capabilities, venturing into manufacturing military vehicles, artillery, and other defence equipment.
He said, “Despite facing challenges, DICON persevered, driven by its commitment to self-reliance and national security. DICON’s 60-year journey is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production. The corporation has established itself as a key player in the defence sector through collaboration and innovation. As DICON continues to evolve, its contributions will remain crucial to Nigeria’s national security and economic growth”.
He explained that the Africa Defence Industries Conference (ADIC) will be a premier platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and explore the future frontiers of African defence technology.
Therefore, he called on innovators, startups, and research institutions to present their cutting-edge solutions through the Defence Innovation Challenge that can enhance national and regional security.
Some of the activities lined up include an exhibition/Virtual Tour of DICON and the Launch of the New DICON Strategy and Brand Identity at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday, 14th August 2024 and the Closing Ceremony, Book Launch, and commemoration of DICON’s past Board Chairmen and Director Generals on Thursday, 15th August 2024 at 6:00 pm.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Abubakar Kana, said in his remarks that the federal government had mandated all agencies to procure arms from DICON first to boost local production.
He said, “Any MDA that wants to procure arms now must seek clearance from the Ministry” and will only be allowed to procure arms abroad if not produced by DICON.
He disclosed that the President had directed NASENI to partner with the Ministry through DICON to begin the production of small ammunition in Nigeria.
“I assure everyone that Nigeria will not repurchase 7.62mm calibre ammunition in the next two years. The Public Procurement Act also supports local production, not only military-industrial companies but any goods produced in Nigeria; all procuring entities in the country have been mandated to put it as a first line before importation.”
The Director General of DICON, Major General AE Edet, said the conference will bring an innovative youth board to support the vision. He said DICON will soon begin to produce drones and unarmed vehicles.
“We are going to bring youth that are talented around Nigeria. We have heard of cases in many states in Nigeria where youth are already innovatively making things in the information sector. So, we don’t want these people to get into the wrong hands at this stage”.
He said DICON, by its Act, was meant to produce everything used by armed forces.
“It is true that we started with arms and ammunition at the establishment. But as of today, we have ventured into many other areas. So, when we look at a typical soldier from head to toe, everything he is using, both what he is putting on himself and what DICON is currently producing,
“We are making arrangements to produce the ones we are not producing now. We are already innovating in producing unarmed ground vehicles, unarmed vehicles, and drones. We have done some testing for these things and even ammunition”.
