By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zumach and Associates Limited, to begin local manufacturing of armoured vehicles, weapons and other military hardware.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Monday in Abuja, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, said the agreement would elevate Nigeria’s defence-industrial capacity.
Alaya added that the MoU would also fast-track the production of critical systems such as tanks, Mines Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP), armoured vehicles and a range of armaments.
He said the breakthrough became possible following the signing of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, which opened new opportunities for collaboration between DICON and both local and international defence manufacturers.
“This partnership marks a defining moment for us. The DICON Act signed by Mr President has given us the mandate and the freedom to collaborate, innovate and produce military equipment here in Nigeria.
“We deeply appreciate the President, the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for their constant support.
“Today’s success is a product of their belief that this vision will work,” he said.
Alaya added that DICON and its partners intend to “hit the ground running” with no delays, stressing that joint teams would immediately begin work from raw-material processing to final assembling and testing.
The Managing Director of Zumach and Associates, Mr Chris Ezumah, said the partnership would boost Nigeria’s defence autonomy and unlock large-scale production capabilities.
Ezumah described the agreement as “a call to higher responsibility” and pledged total commitment to operational excellence, innovation and accountability.
In her remarks, Zumach’s Director of Operations, Mrs Chrital Ezumah, said the company had already supplied over 600 armoured capsules under similar programmes globally, adding that all vehicles in the new partnership were designed for full local manufacturing.
“This is a proven solution. These designs are already in use in several countries. We are ready to begin local production immediately,” she said.
Ezumah described the signing as the beginning of “shared work, strategic discipline and purposeful implementation,” aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence manufacturing base and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
She reaffirmed commitment to work closely with DICON to deliver high-grade military equipment capable of meeting national and regional security needs. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
