The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, on Tuesday chaired the inaugural meeting of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) board, signaling a renewed drive to bolster local arms production in the country.
Held at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, the meeting follows the recent passage of the DICON Act 2023, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September.
This new legislation seeks to enhance DICON’s capacity to modernize Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector and achieve self-reliance in arms production.
Founded in 1964, DICON is responsible for producing military hardware such as small arms, ammunition, and armored vehicles.
The board meeting brought together military leaders, service chiefs, and representatives from the Nigeria Police Force to chart a path for strengthening DICON’s contributions to national security.
During the session, Dr. Matawalle emphasized the critical role of DICON in Nigeria’s defense framework, saying “All DICON factories must produce. This is the strategic path towards achieving the vision of self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing,” he stated. “Our collective efforts will maximize DICON’s potential to meet the needs of the Armed Forces and contribute to economic development.”
He also emphasized the need for collaboration with local industries, noting that such partnerships would create jobs, reduce unemployment, 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.
Following the meeting, Dr. Matawalle inspected locally manufactured Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (M-RAP) vehicles and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) produced by E-PAIL Nigeria, a private partner.
The vehicles, presented by E-PAIL Chairman Engr. Kola Balogun, demonstrated the growing involvement of indigenous industries in strengthening Nigeria’s defense technology.
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 armored vehicles and personnel carriers, reflect the corporation’s increasing role in Africa’s defense manufacturing landscape.
The board meeting marks a pivotal moment for DICON as it strives to modernize operations and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term vision of self-reliance in defence production.
