Group Targets Indigenous Defence Manufacturing, Industry Collaboration

The Defence Industry Association of Nigeria (DIAN) has elected a new Executive Committee, pledging to deepen indigenous defence manufacturing, strengthen collaboration among industry stakeholders and support the federal government’s drive to build a globally competitive defence industrial sector.

Leading the new executive is Maj. Gen. B.I. Alaya of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), who was elected Chairman. He will work alongside Alhaji Saifullahi Babangida of Vinicius Global Link Ltd as Vice Chairman.

Other members of the Executive Committee include Ogonna Okonkwo of DICON-SMARTFIT Ltd as General Secretary, Otunba Adedotun Henry Bademosi of Phylote Nigeria Limited as Financial Secretary, Dr. Chuks Ekwueme of UNICCON Group of Companies (BabaSky) as Treasurer, Sunday Akhigbe of White-Hat Consults Ltd as Welfare Secretary, Bem Ibrahim Garba of DICON Gray Insignia Nigeria Ltd as Publicity Secretary, and Charles Ibanga of X-Shield Solutions Company Limited as Assistant Financial Secretary.

The association said the new leadership would build on the achievements of its predecessors by fostering stronger collaboration across the defence ecosystem, expanding stakeholder engagement and creating opportunities for Nigerian defence companies to compete effectively in both domestic and international markets.

In a statement announcing the election, DIAN described itself as the umbrella body representing organisations operating within Nigeria’s defence, security, aerospace and related industrial sectors, serving as a platform for collaboration among government agencies, private industry, research institutions and international partners.

The Association said, “The new Executive Committee assumes office with a shared commitment to building on these accomplishments while fostering greater collaboration among industry stakeholders, expanding membership participation, strengthening engagement with government institutions and development partners, promoting innovation, supporting local content initiatives and creating new opportunities for Nigerian defence companies to compete both locally and internationally.”

Highlighting the importance of a vibrant domestic defence industry, DIAN noted that Nigeria’s evolving security environment requires greater investment in local manufacturing and innovation to reduce dependence on imports while enhancing national security.

According to the Association, “A strong DIAN provides a unified voice for industry stakeholders, encourages collaboration among member companies, supports government policy objectives and promotes local production of defence equipment, technologies and services.”

It added that stronger indigenous production would contribute to improved national security, economic diversification, job creation, skills development and increased foreign investment in Nigeria’s defence industrial base.

The Association also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s vision of developing a resilient defence manufacturing sector capable of meeting the operational needs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.

“The future of Nigeria’s defence industry depends on sustained collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to national development,” the Association stated. “The Defence Industry Association of Nigeria remains dedicated to serving as the collective voice of the industry while supporting initiatives that enhance Nigeria’s strategic autonomy, industrial resilience and long-term security.”

DIAN also expressed appreciation to its immediate past Executive Committee for laying a solid foundation through stronger industry collaboration, increased stakeholder engagement and efforts that enhanced the visibility and credibility of Nigeria’s indigenous defence industry.

The association further thanked DICON, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, industry partners and its members for their continued support, expressing confidence that the new leadership would accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s defence industrial ecosystem.