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Defending the Nation, Building the Future: Nigeria’s Local Defence Production Revolution

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By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigeria’s defence sector is undergoing a significant transformation. The country is shifting its focus from reliance on foreign defence equipment to developing its local defence production capabilities.

This revolution is not only strengthening Nigeria’s national security but also contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.

For decades, Nigeria’s defence sector has been heavily reliant on foreign equipment and expertise. This has resulted in a significant drain on the country’s foreign exchange reserves and limited the development of local defence industries.

The lack of self-sufficiency in defence production has also compromised Nigeria’s national security, as the country has been vulnerable to arms embargoes and supply chain disruptions.

In recent years, Nigeria has made significant strides in developing its local defence production capabilities. The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has been at the forefront of this effort, producing a range of defence equipment, including small arms, ammunition, and military vehicles.

The Nigerian Army has also established several local production facilities, including the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC), which produces military vehicles, and the Nigerian Army Armaments Corporation (NAAC), which produces small arms and ammunition.

The development of Nigeria’s local defence production capabilities is having a significant impact on the country’s national security and economic growth. By reducing reliance on foreign defence equipment, Nigeria is improving its self-sufficiency in defence production and reducing its vulnerability to arms embargoes and supply chain disruptions.

The local defence production revolution is also contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development. The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other local defence production facilities are creating jobs, generating revenue, and stimulating economic activity in local communities.

The local defence industries and Military Industrial Complex (MICs) in Nigeria are making significant efforts to enhance the country’s defence capabilities.

The DICON established in 1964, is Nigeria’s primary defence manufacturer, producing arms, ammunition, and other military equipment. They have partnered with foreign companies, like NEANY of the US, to explore new innovations and technologies in fighting insecurity.

In line with the avowed commitment of President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the nation’s defence industries, he recently signed into law the News DICON Act 2023. The new DICON Act has several key provisions that aim to strengthen Nigeria’s defence industry.

Some of the highlights of the new act is the establishment of Subsidiaries and Ordnance Factories. The Act empowers DICON to operate, maintain, and control subsidiaries and ordnance factories to manufacture, store, and dispose of ordnance and ancillary stores and material.

The Act establishes the Defence Industry Technology, Research, and Development Institute (DITRDI) to promote research and development in Nigeria’s defence industry.

The Act provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for the manufacturing, distribution, storage, and disposal of defence articles in Nigeria. It also incentivizes the development of a financing architecture that enables private capital to facilitate research, development, and production in the defence sector.

The Act provides for the membership, proceedings, and contractual powers of the Corporation, ensuring good corporate governance.

Overall, the new DICON Act aims to promote Nigeria’s defence industry, enhance national security, and support economic growth and development.

Local manufacturing firms like EPAIL Ltd, Proforce Nigeria Limited, and others are investing heavily in local manufacturing defence gadgets and equipment, such as bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, and light Armoured Assault Vehicles.

The Nigerian government is promoting partnerships between local defence industries and foreign companies to enhance technology transfer and capacity building.

These efforts demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to developing its local defence industries and MICs, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign imports and enhance national security.

Equipment and Protective Applications International Ltd (EPAIL) and Proforce Nigeria Limited are two prominent defence manufacturing companies in Nigeria.

EPAIL is a Nigerian company that specialises in the production of military and paramilitary equipment, including Ballistic helmets, Bulletproof vests, Anti-riot gear, Tactical gear, Automatic Weapons System, Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), Mines Resistant Anti-Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles and Drones among others

The firm aims to provide high-quality, locally manufactured equipment to meet the needs of Nigeria’s security agencies.

Proforce Nigeria Limited on the other hand, is a Nigerian defence company that designs, manufactures, and supplies a range of military vehicles, equipment, and accessories, including: Armoured personnel carriers, Mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, Armoured SUVs, and Tactical vehicles

Proforce has partnered with international companies to provide cutting-edge technology and solutions to the Nigerian military and other security agencies.

Both EPAIL and Proforce are contributing significantly to Nigeria’s efforts to develop its local defence industries and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

DICON in Kaduna has made significant progress in recent times.

DICON is expected to receive new machines to improve its production capacity. This development is expected to enhance the corporation’s ability to manufacture defence equipment and gadgets locally.

The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, recently visited DICON’s facilities in Kaduna, where he expressed satisfaction with the level of work done. He also commended companies like Proforce and EPAIL for investing in local manufacturing of defence gadgets and equipment.

DICON has also launched ‘Operation We Must Produce’, an initiative aimed at boosting production in the ordnance factory. The operation focuses on repairing machines, providing support to staff, and these developments indicate that DICON is making strides in enhancing its production capacity and contributing to Nigeria’s defence and security needs.

Speaking on the local defence capabilities, a former Director of Defence Information, retired Maj.-Gen. Christopher Olukolade, said that DICON had demonstrated capacity to provide local solutions to the nation’s defence needs.

He said that defence industry as a highly regulated industry pays highest premium to standard, adding that more investment in research and development was required to boost technical capacity of the local firms to meet the set standards.

Nigeria’s local defence production revolution is a significant development that is strengthening the country’s national security and contributing to its economic growth and development.

As Nigeria continues to build its defence industries, it is likely to emerge as a major player in the global defence sector.

The Nigerian government has also enacted the Act to promote local defence production, which was endorsed by President Bola Tinubu in November 2023. This legislation aims to strengthen Nigeria’s military industrial complex by promoting local production.

These developments indicate a significant shift towards local defence production in Nigeria, with the government taking concrete steps to reduce dependence on foreign arms imports and promote indigenous production.

While there are opportunities for economic growth, there are also challenges to be addressed. These include the need for significant investment in research and development, infrastructure, and human capacity building.

Additionally, the government needs to create an enabling environment for local defence production to thrive while the various services of the armed forces should work with the local players to develop capacity, build trust and confidence and ensure patronage to provide local solutions to our local challenges.(NANFeatures)

**If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Oil & Gas

OPEC+ reiterates commitment to monitor oil production adjustment

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC countries have reaffirmed commitments to monitor production adjustment aimed at maintaining stability in the global oil market.

The OPEC made this known in the resolution of its 58th Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) which was held via video conference.

The meeting reviewed the crude oil production data for November and December 2025 and highlighted the overall conformity for OPEC and non-OPEC countries involved in the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC).

“The improved conformity further reaffirms the DoC countries’ shared objectives of unity and cohesion.

“The meeting lauded the improved conformity of the Republics of Kazakhstan and Iraq, including the additional voluntary production adjustments,” it said.

The meeting also welcomed renewed pledges by the overproducing countries to achieve full conformity with production targets.

It further resolved that the countries should resubmit their updated compensation schedules to the OPEC Secretariat for the overproduced volumes, by February 2025 ending, covering overproduced volume since January 2024.

The meeting also emphasised the critical importance of achieving full conformity and compensation.

It reaffirmed its commitment to continue to monitor adherence to the production adjustments agreed upon at the 38th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM) held on Dec. 5, 2024.

It reaffirmed to continue to monitor the additional voluntary production adjustments announced by some participating OPEC and non-OPEC countries as agreed upon in the 52nd JMMC held on Feb.1, 2024.

The JMMC reaffirmed their commitment to the DoC which extended to the end of 2026 as decided at the 38th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM) on Dec. 5, 2024.

It pledged to continue to track additional voluntary production cuts announced by participating OPEC and non-OPEC nations, in line with the decisions made during the 52nd JMMC meeting on Feb. 1, 2024.

After thorough analysis from the OPEC Secretariat, it replaced Rystad Energy and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) with Kpler, OilX and ESAI.

This, it said, was part of the secondary sources used to assess the crude oil production and conformity of the DoC Participating Countries, effective Feb.1, 2025.
The next meeting of the JMMC (59th) is scheduled for April 5, 2025. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Oil & Gas

2025 budget predicated on 2m barrels crude oil production – Komolafe

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the 2025 budget is predicated on 2.062 million barrels crude oil production at 75 dollars per barrel.
Nigeria’s current production is averaging 1.7 million barrels leaving a deficit of about 350,000 barrels to be bridged.
Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC made this known on Thursday in Abuja at the inaugural Petroleum Industry Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Komolafe said in order to avert the budget deficit and revenue gap, the commission inaugurated the “Project One Million Barrel per Day Incremental Production Initiative” during its third year anniversary in 2024.
This initiative, he said, entailed that every player within the upstream value chain could operate in one-stop shop economic system as against operating in silos thereby failing to leverage optimum capability and economic of scale.
He said the Commission had developed a template to identify the “Needs“ of every player within the value chain with a view to meeting the gaps arising from the needs of each player which could be met by another player.
“This is expected to create synergy, networking and leveraging on the capabilities of every player within the value chain.
“The Commission in 2024 set an agenda for the industry through the rolling out of Regulatory Action Plan (RAP) focused on regulatory predictability, future licencing rounds policy and implementation, among others.
“The Commercial Bid Conference for the 2024 Bid Round was conducted December 2024, where winning and reserve bidders emerged for each block on offer.
“The conference was conducted real-time online via technology adoption in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Finance, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), and the General Public,” he said.
The bid round, he said, was in accordance with the provisions of Section 74 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) to ensure an open, transparent, and competitive bid process as provisioned in Section 73(1)(a) of the PIA.
He said the adoption of a real-time online Commercial Bid Conference which was the first of its kind in the nation’s over 70 years in exploration and production history was to entrench transparency and attract investor’s confidence.
He said in line with boosting Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming the energy hub of the continent, the NUPRC, through the National Data Repository (NDR) had provided a building to host the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) Headquarters in Abuja.
The gesture, he said, would fast-track the operationalisation of the bank, which would dovetail into job creation and oil and gas business financial support.
He said the upstream sector experienced growth in the national oil and gas reserves by 1.45 per cent and 0.206 per cent respectively in 2024.
According to Komolafe, the active rig count increased from an average of eight in 2021 to 38 currently, representing 79 per cent growth.
He said with effective collaboration with the security agencies, the theft and deferment had reduced drastically by more than 40 per cent in 2024.
Komolafe, however, lauded the ministers of state petroleum resources oil and gas for their leadership in steering the industry growth at this period when the economy is focusing on the oil sector to bridge production gap to fund the 2025 budget.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum offers the stakeholders an opportunity for broad assessment of the industry, identifying challenges and brainstorming, with a view to proffering solutions for sustainable  development in the sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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)

 

Oil & Gas

NNPCL unveils production monitoring centre 

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By Emmanuella Anokam
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), has introduced the Production Monitoring Command Centre (PMCC) as a transformative step in hydrocarbon operations to boost production.
The initiative, driven by NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), builds on the success of the Command and Control Centre to enhance monitoring, operational efficiency, and production.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, in a statement on Wednesday said the PMCC aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s policy to increase efficiency and boost production in the industry.
“The PMCC serves as a unified platform for monitoring hydrocarbon molecules from production to export terminals, covering Joint Ventures (JVs) and Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs).
“By consolidating real-time data from various operators, the PMCC provides a comprehensive overview of production activities. This ensures timely identification of anomalies, minimises unplanned disruptions, and supports seamless operational continuity.
“With advanced analytics and integrated data, the PMCC empowers stakeholders with actionable insights for proactive decision-making.
“This capability enhances planning, resource allocation, and risk management, enabling operators to meet production targets efficiently and maintain high operational standards.
“A standout feature of the PMCC is its support for predictive and preventive maintenance. By monitoring equipment performance and coordinating maintenance activities, the system ensures the reliability and longevity of assets,” he said.
He added that the PMCC promotes collaboration among stakeholders by providing a secure platform for data sharing and communication, fostering effective problem-solving and continuous improvement across the sector.
He said the PMCC’s role in minimising downtime and optimising maintenance directly contributed to increased production and revenue.
“Under Mele Kyari’s leadership, NNPC Ltd. has achieved a production increase to 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) and is working towards a target of two million bpd.
“The PMCC is integral to achieving this goal by driving efficiency and enhancing production capabilities.
“The PMCC operates 24/7, staffed by trained professionals, and utilises cloud-based solutions to ensure seamless data exchange with internal and external stakeholders.
” With direct communication links to the Industry-Wide Security Command and Control Centre, the PMCC also enhances the security of production operations,” he said.
As NNPC Ltd continues its modernisation journey, the PMCC reflects its commitment to innovation and excellence in the oil and gas sector.
This initiative not only aligns with national goals but also strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global energy market, ensuring long-term growth and profitability for stakeholders.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
Agriculture

Stakeholders seek FG’s support for agroecology in Nigeria

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By Eric James Ochigbo

Some stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called for the Federal Government’s support for agroecology to enhance production of healthier food and to ensure environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

The stakeholders made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the second regional workshop on agroecology organised by Bread for the World (Brot für die Welt) a German development organisation.

The workshop is titled” Advancing Agroecology in Nigeria: Building Pathways for Sustainable Agriculture.”

In the keynote address, Mrs Joyce Brown, Programme Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) explained that agroecology as a practice, includes different farming methods like mixed cropping, crop rotation, cover-cropping among others.

According to her, agroecology increases biodiversity, reduces need for chemical inputs and ensures increased productivity while enhancing Nigeria’s food system resilience.

Brown said that strict application of the principles of agroecology would also protect the environment as it is in line with nature.

She explained that agroecology focuses on building soil health through appropriate farming practices including agroforestry and use of organic fertilisers.

Brown said that adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) does not have any advantage over agroecology but rather poses more health and environmental risks.

NAN reports that a GMO is a plant, animal or microorganism that has had their genetic material modified in a way that does not occur naturally through a process called genetic engineering.

Brown said that GMOs have implications from biodiversity loss as a result of intensive chemical use, loss of indigenous seed varieties, health and cultural implications as well as labelling issues.

According to Brown, agroecology on the other hand strengthens local economies, ensures rural development, energy and water efficiency, environmental conservation and increased food productivity.

Stakeholders at the event recommended that the Federal Government should develop and implement an agroecology policy built on practical solutions and successes.

They also highlighted the need to integrate agroecology into national agricultural plans, and develop appropriate institutions to drive organic and agroecological farming in Nigeria.

The stakeholders further called for more training for farmers, extension workers, and policymakers as well as establishment

of farmer field schools and demo plots for peer learning.

In his remarks, Prof. Olugbenga Adeoluwa of the Department of Soil Resource Management, University of Ibadan, said that agroecology is not averse to new technology.

He, however, said that just like guns and bombs, not all technologies are safe for human and environmental consumption.

“Many people that are supporting GMOs do not understand the underlying agenda which is business, control and monopoly.

“We should understand this and not be fooled,” he said.

Also, Mr Andrew Kwasari, President of Sa’l’anwaraTumal Consultaire Limites (SCI) an agro firm, stated that there was a need to have in-depth research and conversations around improved seeds. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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