Hardware - 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.

Leveraging local hardware in reducing military casualties

Ismail Abdulaziz
Feb, Sat, 2025

Features

Leveraging local hardware in reducing military casualties

423 total views today

By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

A retired military combatant, Sadiq (not his real name), recounted his harrowing experience during a critical operation in the North East, an experience that left him and his colleagues with lasting scars.

He described it as a covert operation that was meant to be highly classified.

“All of a sudden, near our location, gunshots filled the air. Many of my colleagues were down with bullet wounds, terrified beyond words.

“Yes, we are trained to expect the unexpected, but this was supposed to be a covert operation.

“Little did we expect an ambush from terrorists at that moment. It was as if they had prior knowledge of our mission. It was deeply demoralising,” he said.

An ambush is a surprise attack launched from a concealed position on a moving or temporarily halted target.

It may involve an assault to neutralise the target or an attack by fire. Importantly, an ambush does not necessarily aim to seize or hold ground; rather, its purpose is to destroy or harass enemy forces.

Over the years, Nigerian armed forces have encountered numerous ambushes while defending the nation’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace.

For instance, in 2019, attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram resulted in 148 fatalities among military personnel (Statista).

More recently, in January 2025, suspected Islamist insurgents killed at least 20 Nigerian soldiers, including a commanding officer, in an attack on an army base in Borno State (Reuters).

These incidents highlight the persistent threat faced by Nigerian troops in their ongoing efforts to combat insurgency.

Tragically, many have paid the ultimate price, leaving their families and loved ones devastated.

Hence, the need for preventive measures is timely.

In his article ‘Military Tactics 101: The Anatomy of the Modern Ambush Attack’, Matt Crisara emphasises the importance of avoiding ambushes altogether.

He explains that situational awareness is key, including strategies such as avoiding main roads, not taking the same route twice, travelling in larger groups, and using reconnaissance to select the safest path.

The enduring presence of ambush attacks, he argues, proves that the element of surprise remains one of the most effective strategies on the battlefield.

Given the persistent threat of ambushes, an important question arises: Is it possible to prevent or at least reduce the frequency and impact of these attacks on Nigerian troops?

Recent incidents suggest an urgent need for improved military strategies and equipment.

Analysts say an effective solution lies in the adoption of modern warfare technology.

According to them, a well-equipped force, trained in the use of advanced military hardware, is crucial to addressing this challenge.

Recognising this need, the Federal Government approved a review of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act in 2023.

This revised Act reflects the importance of regulating local and international military businesses to reduce procurement costs while also creating job opportunities for Nigerians.

The updated Act introduces several key provisions, including an expanded mandate for DICON to operate, maintain, and control ordnance factories for manufacturing, storage, and disposal of military materials.

Also, the Act enlarges the Governing Board to include key stakeholders, strengthens policy formulation, and authorises partnerships with both local and international companies to meet Nigeria’s military hardware demands.

Notably, it grants DICON the authority to produce and supply arms and ammunition in Nigeria while also regulating the manufacture and sale of explosives.

Other provisions include the establishment of a Defence Procurement Committee to enhance transparency and accountability.

Additionally, they focus on securing sustainable funding sources and collaborating with the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) to regulate and license defence manufacturers.

In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to empowering local industries for economic growth, engaging private sector players in military hardware production could serve as a viable alternative to imported equipment.

This approach would not only conserve scarce foreign exchange, but also enhance both Nigeria’s economic and military capabilities.

Locally produced military equipment offers several advantages, as it is cost-effective, improves accessibility, enhances national security, drives technological advancement, creates jobs, and ensures greater control over military capabilities.

Furthermore, it allows for customisation to meet specific operational needs while reducing reliance on foreign imports and mitigating supply chain disruptions.

It may be recalled that Nigerian military recently announced plans to harness the skills of law-abiding citizens involved in local firearms and military-grade equipment production.

This initiative was highlighted during an operational visit to frontline troops under Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State, where the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, inspected a cache of locally manufactured arms and ammunition recovered within the operational area.

Similarly, the significance of science and technology in modern warfare has long been recognised as stated in the National Security Strategy of Engagement and Enlargement (1995) by the United States.

“Our defence science and technology investment enables us to counter military threats and overcome any advantages that adversaries may seek.

“It also expands the military options available to policymakers, including non-warfare strategies to promote stability and prevent conflict.

“Science and technology help counter special threats such as terrorism, which cannot be addressed by conventional warfighting forces. They also underpin intelligence capabilities needed to assess the dangers our nation faces.

“The U.S. military also relies on science and technology to make advanced military systems more cost-effective throughout their lifecycle.

“By maintaining a close dialogue with warfighters, the defence science and technology community remains attuned to user needs while educating them on technological possibilities for responding to evolving threats, “the report says.

Several local firms have already made huge investments in military hardware production, manufacturing items such as bulletproof gear, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), assault rifles, and ammunition.

These locally produced items meet international standards and are tailored to Nigeria’s unique operational environment.

Among the most prominent defence manufacturers in Nigeria are EPAIL Ltd and Proforce Nigeria Limited.

EPAIL Ltd specialises in military and paramilitary equipment, including ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, anti-riot gear, tactical gear, automatic weapons systems, armoured personnel carriers (APCs), mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, and drones.

The company aims to supply high-quality, locally manufactured equipment to meet Nigeria’s security needs.

Proforce Nigeria Limited, on the other hand, designs and manufactures military vehicles and accessories such as armoured personnel carriers, MRAP vehicles, armoured SUVs, and tactical vehicles.

Both companies play an important role in Nigeria’s efforts to develop a self-sufficient defence industry and reduce dependency on foreign imports.

DICON, based in Kaduna, has also made notable progress in recent years, positioning itself as a key player in local military hardware production.

With the newly revised DICON Act, the Nigerian military now has a greater opportunity to mitigate, or even eliminate, the threat of ambushes by equipping troops with modern technology.

Advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence-gathering tools can help detect and neutralise threats before they materialise.

For Sadiq and his fellow soldiers, this development brings renewed hope.

The threat of ambushes or losing their lives in service to their country may soon be greatly reduced, thanks to locally produced military hardware tailored to Nigeria’s unique operational environment. (NANFeatures)

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