Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation gains traction in Africa, says Minister

Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, announced that several African countries are now purchasing arms and ammunition from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Speaking at DICON’s 60th anniversary and the inaugural Africa Defence Industries Conference in Abuja, Matawalle highlighted the corporation’s growing influence despite ongoing challenges.

“DICON’s journey began with a modest start, focusing on the production of small arms and ammunition,” he said.

“Over the years, DICON has expanded its capabilities, venturing into the manufacture of military vehicles, artillery, and other defence equipment. Despite facing challenges, DICON persevered, driven by its commitment to self-reliance and national security.

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“DICON’s 60-year journey is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production.

“But we assure you that we have the capacity, we can produce, and as you know, many countries, many African countries now are coming to DICON for the procurement of arms and ammunition.”

Established in 1964 to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign arms, DICON has expanded from producing small arms and ammunition to manufacturing military vehicles and artillery. Matawalle emphasized that DICON’s achievements reflect Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production.

In November, President Bola Tinubu signed the DICON Bill, 2023, further bolstering the corporation’s mandate.

Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, added that all Nigerian security agencies are now required to source their arms and ammunition from DICON.

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Kana also projected that within two years, Nigeria will cease importing certain types of ammunition, underscoring the country’s drive towards local production and self-sufficiency in defence.

“I can assure each and every one of us, in the next two years, Nigeria will not buy 7.62mm calibre ammunition again,” he said.

“The Public Procurement Act also supports local production, not only military-industrial companies but any goods that are produced in Nigeria. All procuring entities in the country have been mandated to put it as a first line before importation.

“The law now makes it mandatory for us in the ministry of defence, the national security advisers office, ministry of interior, police affairs and all other security organisations in Nigeria… if you are procuring any arms or ammunitions using government funds, you have no rights to go and procure abroad unless we did not have any money in Nigeria.”