Nigeria, Turkey Deepen Military Wares Production

Nigeria’s quest for defence self-reliance has received a boost as DICON-D7G, an indigenous defence manufacturing firm, emerges as a strategic bridge linking Nigeria with more than 10 leading Turkish defence companies, strengthening local capacity in military production and maintenance.

Operating within Nigeria’s growing defence industrial ecosystem, DICON-D7G facilitates access to Turkish firms that meet strict international quality and compliance standards for the supply of defence and aerospace materials, components, and spare parts.

The chief executive officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, said in a statement yesterday that the Turkish firms involved are globally recognised for their expertise in military hardware production, precision engineering and advanced defence technologies.

According to him, DICON-D7G draws on a pool of industry experts, including retired military generals and professionals from other Nigerian security agencies, to ensure that partnerships align with national defence priorities.

He noted that the collaboration with Nigeria’s State-owned defence industry represents a significant step toward strengthening local military equipment production, maintenance and supply chains.

By leveraging Turkish defence manufacturing capabilities, Chennar said the initiative is designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign imports, lower long-term procurement costs and ensure faster turnaround times for the maintenance and repair of military assets.

He explained that the partnership, which has spanned from 2018 to date, goes beyond the supply of finished components, placing strong emphasis on technology transfer, skills development and local assembly.

This approach, he added, aligns with Nigeria’s national security objectives of indigenous capacity building and sustainable defence manufacturing.

“The role of DICON-D7G as a bridge between Nigeria and trusted Turkish defence companies is a game changer. It creates a structured pathway for quality-assured materials and components while laying the foundation for local production and long-term self-sufficiency”.

The Turkish companies involved include Aselsan, TAIS Shipyard, Turkish Aerospace, Kalandor Dış Ticaret ve Savunma Sanayi Limited, MKE, Roketsan, ZSR Patlayıcı Sanayi ve Anonim Şirketi and Ateşçi Machinery.

Chennar stressed that these firms operate under rigorous international standards, ensuring that all supplied materials and components meet the requirements of modern defence and aerospace applications.

He said the partnership is expected to improve the operational readiness of Nigeria’s armed forces while boosting confidence in locally supported military systems.

“As security challenges continue to evolve across the region, the DICON-D7G initiative is a timely intervention capable of repositioning Nigeria as a regional hub for defence manufacturing and maintenance,” he said.

Beyond national security benefits, he added, the collaboration is expected to generate employment, stimulate industrial growth and deepen Nigeria’s participation in the global defence value chain.

Chennar further disclosed that all Turkish government defence procurement exports involving DICON-D7G to Nigeria are conducted through D7G Savunma Sanayi İthalat İhracat Limited Şirketi, a Turkish-registered company, ensuring transparency and compliance with international procurement regulations.