FG Seeks DICON, UniAbuja Partnership To Produce Defence Wares

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has charged the University of Abuja to partner with the Ministry of Defence through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in the production of defence equipment.

The minister gave the charge yesterday when he received the vice-chancellor of University of Abuja, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah on a courtesy visit at Ship House, Abuja.

In a statement by the Director Information Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, Badaru stated that the University being a center for research, can partner favourably with DICON in the production of military weapons; drones, guns and other hard wares needed in the country.

He stated that UniAbuja, a research-driven University that offers various engineering courses will be valuable if it partners with DICON in local production of defence equipment.
He said, “For any useful development, there must be research.”

Badaru appreciated the VC for the visit, adding that the ministry will do everything necessary to see that the collaborative efforts of both institutions will boost Nigeria’s desire to produce defence equipment locally.

He explained that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is a military industry that is charged with the production of all military equipment and hard wares in Nigeria.

Earlier, in his remarks, the vice chancellor of University of Abuja, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah said that the purpose of their visit was to interact with the minister on possible levels of collaboration in terms of ideas sharing and research.

He said that the university is well positioned in terms of research capabilities to support good ideas that will enhance the security of the nation.