By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the significance of Nigeria’s self-reliance in defence capabilities.
The President said this at the inaugural Africa Defence Industries Conference and commemoration of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) 60th anniversary on Wednesday at Abuja.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Tinubu highlighted DICON’s achievements, including its contribution to Nigeria’s unity during the civil war and its potential as a leading defence manufacturer in Africa.
President Tinubu said the signing into law of the DICON Act 2023 was motivated by his passion for Nigeria’s military industrial growth.
He stated that the law aims to transform the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) into a global player.
“National security remains a top priority of my administration. The DICON Act 2023 marks a new era, positioning DICON as the arrowhead of our Military Industrial Complex,” the President said.
He unveiled the DICON Evolution Strategy and Road Map 2030 to bridge performance gaps and reposition DICON globally.
The President announced substantial investments in DICON, focusing on industrialization, innovation, and modernization.
He showcased upcoming projects, including automated production lines, advanced equipment, and a state-of-the-art micro motherboard processing facility.
Tinubu urged international collaboration, inviting partners to join Nigeria in building a safer Africa.
“Let us seize this moment to build a stronger, more innovative, and globally competitive defence industry… We will secure Nigeria’s brighter future and contribute to global peace and stability and.”
Speaking on the significance of the DICON Act, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, described it as a roadmap for the Federal Government to explore self-reliance in defence military hardware production.
He said his ministry has launched the Defence Innovation Challenge to harness Nigeria’s young talents and encourage groundbreaking defence innovations.
He said the ministry will partner with Kryterion Limited and DICON to provide a platform for young innovators, startups, and research institutions to showcase cutting-edge solutions that enhance national and regional security, with the goal of stimulating and rewarding innovative ideas.
Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa in his speech said DICON has played their part in safeguarding the nation’s security and sovereignty.
“Today, we celebrate its achievements and look ahead to a future filled with even greater promise and potential,” the CDS said.
“As African nations continue to confront threats to peace and stability, it is essential that we work together to enhance our defence capabilities and foster regional cooperation.he noted.
”As we reflect on the security challenges grappling our respective nations today, there is a growing imperative to fully develop our indigenous production capacities, and strengthen our military industrial cocomple”he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General of DICON, Major General A. E. Edet explained that over the decades, DICON has evolved significantly, adapting to the dynamic landscapes of military technology and global defence trends and it’s focus was predominantly on the production of small arms and ammunition, meeting the critical needs of the military and other security agencies.
“However, as the threats facing our nation and region became more complex and contemporary, so too has the interpretation of our mandate.he said.
“In the 21st century, our projects have become more diverse, encompassing not only military products but also ventures into civilian applications that leverage our technological capabilities.he said.
“The theme of this conference “Future Frontiers in Africa’s Defence Technology”, challenges us to reflect on our collective journey, to innovate, and to strengthen the ties that bind us in our common pursuit of building a DICON that will guarantee self-sufficiency in the equipment needs of our Armed Forces, and other security agencies in Nigeria,” the Director-General added.
