By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to strengthening local defence manufacturing and enhancing the country’s capacity for self-reliance in military equipment production.
General Oluyede made the pledge during a strategic visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory (ORDFAC) in Kakuri, Kaduna State, where he toured key production and research facilities as part of efforts to support Nigeria’s defence industrialisation agenda.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the visit was aimed at assessing DICON’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future development plans while reinforcing Defence Headquarters’ support for indigenous defence production.
During the visit, the Chief of Defence Staff received detailed briefings from the Director-General of DICON, Major General BI Alaya, on the corporation’s current operations and efforts to expand local defence manufacturing capacity to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The CDS inspected major production facilities within the factory and was updated on ongoing initiatives designed to improve operational support for military formations and enhance the availability of locally produced defence equipment.
General Oluyede also visited DICON’s Research and Development facilities, where a number of indigenous products and technological innovations were showcased.
He commended the management and workforce of DICON for their dedication and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s indigenous defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.
The CDS noted that the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on local defence production was critical to improving operational readiness, reducing dependence on foreign military hardware, conserving foreign exchange and ensuring sustainable logistics support for the Armed Forces.
He stressed that strengthening local defence production remains a strategic priority in building a more resilient, self-sufficient and technologically advanced military capable of responding effectively to contemporary security challenges.
Oluyede further reaffirmed the commitment of Defence Headquarters to supporting DICON’s transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.
The CDS said innovation, research and development would continue to play a central role in achieving Nigeria’s defence industrialisation objectives and enhancing national security.
The visit, observers noted, reflects the determination of the Armed Forces under General Oluyede’s leadership to promote indigenous solutions and strengthen the country’s defence production ecosystem.
The Chief of Defence Staff was accompanied on the visit by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General OT Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General ASM Wase, and other senior military officers.
