The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, announced that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is now collaborating with international and local firms to enhance its production of arms and ammunition. This move aligns with the DICON Act 2023, which was recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. The act aims to promote the growth of indigenous companies within Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex.
Musa made this statement during a 5km Health Walk commemorating DICON’s 60th anniversary on Saturday in Kaduna. The CDS was represented by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj-Gen John Ochai.
“The 60th anniversary is significant, considering the corporation was established just four years after independence,” Musa said. “It is crucial to pay tribute to the visionary leaders who recognized the need to establish this important institution.”
He added that the DICON Act, which expands the corporation’s scope, is a testament to the effectiveness of the current Director-General’s reform program, now backed by the President and the National Assembly.
ALSO READ Kebbi gov lauds Army’s doggedness in fighting banditry
Musa continued, “From the briefings we’ve received, DICON is poised for significant progress. They have entered into both international and local partnerships to begin large-scale production of arms and ammunition. Currently, the Nigerian Defence Academy uses ammunition produced by DICON, and the Nigerian Army has also started purchasing arms and ammunition from the corporation.”
Musa emphasized that more partnerships would be established to produce other military hardware, including armored vehicles, ships, tanks, aircraft, and other defense-related products.
“This will significantly conserve foreign exchange for the nation and generate income through exports. Consequently, the Federal Government will have more resources to allocate to other national priorities, thereby improving the livelihood and standard of living of the average Nigerian. What has transpired at DICON’s 60th anniversary is not only significant for the corporation and the Nigerian Armed Forces but also for the nation as a whole,” he said.
The CDS also recalled that, in the past, arms manufacturing was exclusive to the developed world.
“Now, Nigeria has entered this critical industry, which is a source of pride for all Nigerians. There is no stopping DICON now,” Musa stated.
Earlier, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Aniedi Edet, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for assenting to the DICON Act 2023.
“The new act has provided the corporation with the robustness and impetus needed to significantly increase production. The establishment of DICON was a vital step, and it has become a strategic national asset,” Edet said.
He highlighted that DICON, at 60, has many achievements to celebrate, including its mandate for self-sufficiency, which will be further strengthened to meet the needs of the armed forces and other security agencies.
Edet also noted the widespread support from the President, the Minister of Defence, the CDS, service chiefs, and heads of paramilitary institutions. “Even the Inspector-General of Police has shown interest in patronizing DICON,” he added.
He went on to discuss the importance of strategic partnerships, emphasizing that DICON is focused on reforming and innovating through modern technologies to meet the armed forces’ needs.
“We are also celebrating the fitness of our personnel, which is why we organized the 5km walk. If our men are not fit and mentally sound, they cannot produce at their best. We prioritize their welfare and health, which is one of the five pillars of our management focus,” Edet explained.
He mentioned that the anniversary celebrations included a range of activities, such as Juma’at prayers, a football match, and a robust engagement session. “Tomorrow, we will have an interdenominational service and other programs to continue the celebration,” he added.
Edet also praised the foresight of Nigeria’s founding leaders in establishing DICON just four years after independence. “The nearest comparable facility in Africa is Armscor in South Africa, which was established in 1968, followed by Denel, which came on board in 1992,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for DICON to refocus in light of current realities and continue encouraging indigenous production.
