DICON - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Mar, Thu, 2025

DICON-D7G: Developing viable military industrial complex in Nigeria

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By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in military hardware and technology recently received a significant boost with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the D7G joint venture.

On Jan.18, 2024, DICON and D7G Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture company codenamed DICON-D7G Nigeria Limited; it is aimed at meeting the defence needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.

The DICON-D7G joint venture is designed to leverage the strengths of both partners to develop a comprehensive military industrial complex in Nigeria.

DICON, with its extensive experience in military hardware production, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.

On the other hand, D7G, a manufacturing company with its global network and access to cutting-edge technology, provides the necessary support and resources to drive innovation and growth.

The DICON-D7G joint venture has several key objectives–the development of military hardware; designing, developing and producing a range of military hardware, including small arms, ammunition and armored vehicles.

The joint venture seeks to facilitate the transfer of technology and expertise from D7G to DICON, enabling the latter to develop its capacity for military hardware production.

The partnership also aims to build the capacity of DICON and other local industries to produce military hardware and equipment; also, the joint venture is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Nigeria.

During the inauguration of the board of DICON-D7G Board on March 19, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing dependence on foreign arms procurement and enhancing Nigeria’s defence industrial base.

Musa said that Nigeria had remained committed to strengthening its defence capabilities to ensure that its gallant men and women in uniform had access to high-quality, locally manufactured military equipment, ammunition and other operational assets.

According to him, the establishment of a strategic partnership between DICON and D7G Nigeria Limited, represents a bold step towards actualising the vision.

He added that the joint venture was for the production of military hardware and equipment for the armed forces, as well as for intelligence, security and paramilitary organisations.

The CDS added that the partnership with D7G would offer a unique opportunity to expand production capacity, leverage advanced technology and foster knowledge transfer that would strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global defence industry.

“The partnership we celebrate today is a testament to our resolve to build a resilient defence manufacturing sector that will meet the immediate and future needs of our military and security institutions,” he said.

On his part, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Aniedi Edet, said the context of the collaboration with D7G was in terms of supply of defence materials and production of local defence items on the basis of 30 per cent to DICON and 70 per cent to D7G.

Edet said that the company was currently engaged in DICON with the first set of defence stock expected to arrive in DICON soon.

According to him, expected stocks include the 103 AK-47 weapons and other assorted weapons that will be assembled as soon as they arrive.

He said that DICOM and D7G collaboration held great prospects for the nation’s military industrial complex, adding that D7G was one of DICON’s most viable partners.

The Chief Executive Officer of D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, said the partnership would focus on bringing new generation technology for defence capabilities in Nigeria.

He said that the industry would soon begin production of ammunition, arms assembling and bomb fit for Nigeria and all of the African market.

More so, Retired Maj.-Gen. Mainasara Masanawa, Director, Land Systems, Innovation, Research and Development for DICON-D7G, said the joint venture was formed to develop Nigeria’s military industrial complex to enhance security in line with the DICON Act 2023, as well as President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on security.

He said the firm, in collaboration with DICON, was set to establish the first military jetty in Lagos on a land covering about 160,000 square metres.

He said the jetty would be used, in addition to stocks of arms and ammunition, for assembling drones on armed aerial vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, 4×4 vehicles, 6×6 armoured personnel carriers and mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles.

Masanawa said the idea was also to use that opportunity to develop human capacity as the complex intended to employ skilled retired military specialists in the company.

He said that the armed forces had trained their personnel effectively and most of them had retired and would go with their knowledge.

According to him, it is an opportunity to bring them back and tap from them.

“We will also employ young engineers, scientists, electrical and electronic engineers that we will bring on board that will be guided by these skilled military personnel to develop weapons systems, radars, electronics, and also give youths the opportunity to display their skill in this new generation of artificial intelligence,’’ he said.

Masanawa said the joint venture had led to production and assembling of arms in Kaduna factory that would be readily available to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, while developing their factory in Lagos.

He said the company would also go into ship building when its factory comes on stream.

According to him, it will save the government funds in terms of foreign exchange because Nigeria can sell our goods and services, both in naira and in hard currency.

“However, if the government is to procure from outside, they have to pay in hard currency.

“So, we will be saving the government’s forex by providing all the defence equipment needs of the armed forces and paramilitary organisations in Nigeria locally.

“With that, our armed forces and security agencies will be self-sustained and self-sufficient to address all security challenges that have been existing, or may emanate in the future,’’ he said.

Security analysts say the groundbreaking partnership between DICON and the D7 Group of Companies is poised to revolutionise Nigeria’s military industrial complex.

“The DICON-D7G joint venture offers numerous benefits to Nigeria, including reduced dependence on foreign suppliers.

“By developing a viable military industrial complex, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers of military hardware and equipment.

“The joint venture will enable Nigeria to produce military hardware and equipment that meet its specific national security needs, as well as stimulate economic growth in Nigeria by creating jobs and generating revenue.

“The joint venture will also facilitate the development of new technologies and expertise in Nigeria, which can be applied to other sectors of the economy,’’ a security expert said.

Some experts also say the DICON-D7G joint venture offers numerous opportunities for Nigeria, as well challenges that need to be addressed.

They say the challenges include infrastructure development as the joint venture requires significant investment in infrastructure, including manufacturing facilities, testing equipment and logistics.

“The partnership requires the development of human capacity in areas such as design, engineering, and production.

“The joint venture requires significant funding to support the development of infrastructure, human capacity and technology.

“In spite of these challenges, the DICON-D7G joint venture offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to develop a viable military industrial complex.

“With the right support and investment, this partnership can help Nigeria achieve its national security goals while also stimulating economic growth and development,’’ a security analyst said.

In all, the DICON-D7G joint venture is a significant step towards developing a viable military industrial complex in Nigeria.

By leveraging the strengths of both partners, this partnership can help Nigeria achieve its national security goals while also stimulating economic growth and development.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of national security and economic development, it is stakeholders’ view that the DICON-D7G joint venture offers a beacon of hope for a brighter future. (NANfeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

DICON’ll meet demands of military, other security agencies- FG

Ismail Abdulaziz
Feb, Sat, 2025

Defence/Security

DICON’ll meet demands of military, other security agencies- FG

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By Muhammad Tijjani
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) would meet the demands of the military and other security agencies.

Matawalle said this at the DICON’s end-of-year celebration and Director-General’s
(D-G) Productivity Award ceremony on Friday in Kaduna.

He said that the recent assent of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu has paved the way for the corporation to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

Matawalle emphasised that the defence ministry would continue to limit procurements outside the country.

The minister said, “Any requirements of the military or other security agencies have to come to DICON for supply.

“Before now, we send our money to other countries, devalue our currency which makes the dollar go higher because we don’t have a productivity plan.

“Today, we thank God that with the leadership of the DICON’s director-general, the industry is seeing a lot of changes.”

Matawalle said that DICON would reach its peak in military and paramilitary requirements particularly in the production of arms and ammunition.

He said he earlier never believed that DICON could produce 10,000 rounds of ammunition.

“Today, DICON is able to produce so many rounds of ammunition and forward to the military.

“Our target is to produce 300 million rounds of ammunition.

“We will also be producing other military equipments like MRAPs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other equipment for the military and paramilitary agencies,” he added.

Matawalle said the end-of-year celebration and productivity award was supposed to be held annually so as to engender motivation to the staffers.

He commended the director-general, his management staff and other workers for their dedication and hard work.

Earlier, the DICON’s boss, Maj.-Gen. Anaedi Edet, said the celebration and award were to mark the successful conclusion of the corporation’s 2024 activities and production year.

Edet said that DICON was established with the mandate to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces by ensuring Nigeria’s self-reliance in essential military hardware.

He, however, said the mandate was not just for defence, but a strategic move to foster technological advancement and industrial development within Nigeria.

Over the decades, he said, DICON had evolved significantly to meet the dynamic needs of the armed forces.

“Initially focused on the production of small arms and ammunition, we adapted to address the increasingly complex and contemporary threats facing our nation.

“As the landscape of defence technology and industry expanded, so too did our scope, including venturing into civilian applications that leverage our technological capabilities,”he said.

Edet said the corporation had resumed productive activities in spite of the numerous challenges.

In spite of the recorded successes, he said that the corporation has continued to face significant challenges.

These, he said, include funding constraints, outdated equipment, skill gaps and the pressing need for staff training and certifications.

“Looking ahead, we are focused on securing new funding opportunities, investing in modern production lines, and prioritising the training and development of our workforce.

“With a clear vision and dedicated team, DICON is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and achieve even greater success.

“Our ‘All DICON factories must produce’ initiative reflects our commitment to technological innovation and collaboration for the security and prosperity of our nation.

“The DICON end-of-year celebration is not just an occasion to reflect on our achievements, but also a call to action for all employees and stakeholders,”he said.

Edet, therefore, said the event was also a time to recognise and celebrate the exceptional staff who distinguished themselves in 2024.

He addedbthat it highlighted the hard work and dedication of those who have contributed to DICON’s successes.

He assured that DICON would remain unwavering in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Appraising the impact of local players in defence production in Nigeria

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jan, Wed, 2025

Features

Appraising the impact of local players in defence production in Nigeria

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By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Local players are indeed making an impact in Nigeria’s defence production.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is a key player in this sector, and it has been working to increase its local manufacturing and production capabilities.

In fact, the Nigerian government has set a target for DICON to become 40 per cent self-sufficient in local manufacturing and production of defence equipment by 2027.

DICON, established in 1964, is tasked with producing essential military hardware, including small arms, ammunition, and armoured vehicles.

This is a significant step towards reducing the country’s reliance on foreign defense imports.

Some local companies, such as E-PAIL Nigeria and Proforce Nigeria Limited are already making impressive contributions to Nigeria’s defence production.

For example, E-PAIL has produced Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (M-RAP) vehicles and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and made significant milestone in bolstering Nigeria’s fight against insecurity by delivering 20 cutting-edge Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles (LTAVs) to the Defence Headquarters in the cause of the year.

The company officially handed over the LTAVs, equipped with advanced weapons and communication systems, to revolutionise military operations, enabling early detection of adversaries and effective engagement while ensuring seamless coordination.

According to E-PAIL Chairman, Kola Balogun, the presentation demonstrated the growing involvement of indigenous industries in strengthening Nigeria’s defence technology.

Speaking with NAN on the development, Balogun said the nation has a very good footprint with the new DICON law, aimed at creating an enabling environment for the local player to make significant impact in developing capabilities.

He, however, said that the implementation of the law was key to achieving the desired end by making sure that DICON remains an unbiased umpire over issuing of license, standard and compliance.

“In the process, we will now be able to domesticate global standards to domestic standards to address our peculiarity.

“However, as a company, we are already making a serious impact on the defence industry with some of our newly developed equipment like anti-mine vehicle, light armoured vehicles with so much sophistication.

“(This will) address our peculiarity because there are some things that you might put as a capability feature to address some of the inadequacies we have in the previous equipment.

“These efforts can only be complemented if we have sufficient support, sufficient research and sufficient patronage from all the services.

“These are things that will keep boosting our morale as private investors in the defense industry to invest more because there are people who are going to make use of it,” he said.

Balogun, who is the Secretary General, of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), said the efforts of the local players had aided remarkable victory recorded by the military in the frontline.

He said that domesticating technology was the best way to address the peculiarity of the nation’s security dynamics, adding that building local capability into the enhancement was a way to deal with such local peculiarities.

Balogun called on the Federal Government to draw a pure guideline on incentive that would enhance local capabilities in form of intervention needed for the local players to compete favourably.

He said that Nigeria could also export defence equipment to its neighbouring countries through local players if fully supported.

“We have started well by creating enabling laws, but that is not the first time. We want the government to further strengthen their deployment strategy in such a way that it will give sufficient benefit to the local investment.

“There is also the need for sufficient control so that we can become a formidable defence industry that will be second to none in the world.

“We want to encourage the government to reduce the bureaucratic bottleneck surrounding the revamping of our steel industry because the defence industry generally relies on steel.

“It is steel related right from the ammunition, arms, missiles, vehicles, everything.”

On his part, the Business Development Manager of Proforce, Mr Kayode Nariwo, said that Proforce had produced different military platforms in support of the current onslaught against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.

Nariwo said that the Nigerian Army had taken delivery of several PF ARA Mines Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAPS) vehicles as well as a few PF VIPERS.

He added that the Defence Headquarters also took delivery of 15 PF Vipers while the Nigerian Air Force commissioned Proforce’s Armoured Buffalos (IACVs) Improvised Armoured Combat Vehicles.

“The PF ARA is a 15 tonnes MRAP which was deployed to the North East at the peak of the war against Boko Haram since 2018 while the PF Vipers is a 9 tonnes MRAP and has been deployed recently in the Northwest part of Nigeria,’’ he said.

On the new DICON Act, Nariwo said the new act was meant to provide local producers with better chances and opportunities, saying their expectations were high with services chiefs’ desire to use home-made solutions.

“This is a lesson from the war between Ukraine and Russia which places more emphasis on local solutions.

“The combination of the new DICON Act and Executive Order 5 will give leverage to Local manufacturers.

“The most important thing is to make sure the platforms meet international standards. Another advantage for the Armed Forces is availability of spare parts and after sales services that local manufacturers provide.

“One major challenge is convincing the military that we have developed capacity to take on their requests. Another challenge is competing with foreign made platforms as well as the issues with typical infrastructure, cost of power and access to forex.”

He added that there were enormous prospects for local players with the current military leadership being Pro-Local producers as well as the willingness of International Organisations to partner with local firms for Technology Transfer (ToT).

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, recently presided over the inaugural board meeting of the DICON, marking a significant step toward revitalising the nation’s defence manufacturing sector.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, followed the enactment of the DICON Act 2023 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in September 2023.

The legislation aims to modernise and expand DICON’s operations, furthering Nigeria’s ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in defence production.

The board meeting brought together top military officials, service chiefs, and representatives, including those from the Nigeria Police Force, to discuss strategies for enhancing DICON’s role in national security.

In his remarks, Matawalle underscored DICON’s central role in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure, saying that all DICON factories must produce towards achieving the vision of self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

He emphasised the importance of partnerships with local industries to foster job creation, employment, and enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to supporting DICON as a critical component of Nigeria’s military industrial complex.

DICON’s expanded mandate under the new law aligns with Nigeria’s goals of reducing dependency on foreign arms imports, enhancing national security, and fostering industrial growth.

Recent advancements, such as the production of armoured vehicles and personnel carriers, reflect the corporation’s increasing role in Africa’s defence manufacturing landscape as well underscores the significant role the private sector will play in this milestone. (NANFeatures)