By James Agbor
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa has inaugurated the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)/D7G board as part of efforts to enhance national security and development.
The Inauguration of the board marks a significant milestone after the recent historic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding which established a joint venture of DICON and D7G Board of Nigeria Unlimited for the production of military hardware and equipment for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as for intelligence, security, and paramilitary organizations.
General Musa in his remarks during the inaugural ceremony held at the Defence headquarters in Abuja said the gesture underscored the importance of self-reliance in defence production.
DICON, established in 1964, has been a critical component of Nigeria’s defense infrastructure, tasked with producing military hardware such as small arms, ammunition, armored vehicles, and other essential defense technologies.
Its mandate is central to the nation’s objective of reducing dependency on foreign arms and ammunition supplies, fostering self-sufficiency in defense production and enhancing national security.
“This inauguration marks yet another milestone in our collective pursuit of national security, self-reliance, and industrial development.
“Our nation has remained committed to strengthening its defense capabilities to ensure that our current men and women in uniform have access to high-quality, locally manufactured military equipment, ammunition, and other operational assets of standard.
“Consequently, the establishment of this strategic partnership between the DICON and the D7G Nigeria Limited represents a bold step toward actualizing this mission, reducing dependence on foreign arms procurement and enhancing our defense industrial base. He said
The CDS further disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria alongside intelligence and security agencies operate in a dynamic and evolving threat environment, which requires not just vigorous strategy and professionalism, but also repulsed indigenous capacity to develop and sustain critical and effective military operations.
“The partnership we celebrate today is a testament to our resolve to build a resilient defence manufacturing sector that will meet the immediate and future needs of our military and security institutions.
“The inauguration of this Board is not merely a formality; it is a call to duty. As such, members of this distinguished Board are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that this collaboration translates into efficient production, cutting-edge research, and seamless supply of defence equipment that meets global standards. He said
The Defence Chief however commended DICON for its unwavering dedication to developing Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector, noting that since its establishment, DICON has continued to play a vital role in domestic arms production and innovation.
He further highlighted that the partnership with D7G Nigeria Limited, offers a unique opportunity to expand production capacity, leverage advanced technology, and foster knowledge transfer that will strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global defence industry.
While reaffirming the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to providing the necessary support for the success of the initiative and urging all stakeholders to work with determination and dedication in actualizing the objectives of this partnership.
The Defence Chief also stated that as Defence headquarters inaugurate this Board, it’s expect that this partnership will be guided by transparency, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence.
“Together, we must ensure that this effort delivers the desired impact for enhanced security, economic growth, and national development.
“The success of DICON-D7G Nigeria Limited will not only enhance the operational efficiency of our security forces but also create employment opportunities, boost local content, and drive Nigeria towards self-sufficiency in defence production.” He said.
The CDS also expressed his appreciation to the President Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his unwavering support and commitment to the operational and welfare needs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which has been instrumental to the modest successes that has been achieved in tackling the multifaceted security challenges confronting the Country.
He also thanked the Honourable Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, the Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle CON for their unflinching support and guidance, and also appreciated the steadfast support and encouragement of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu mni.
Earlier in his remarks, Director General Defence Industries Cooperation of Nigeria DICON, Major General AE Edet, expressed gratitude to the CDS for his immense strategic support and directions given to DICON, noting that the Defence Chief has severally linked DICON to very important international partnership.
“It will be recalled that back in DICON, when I took over, the Chief of Defence Staff was the first very important personality VIP to visit DICON.
“He has always expressed his passion to making sure that the military industrial complex in Nigeria works and functions very well.
“On several occasions, the CDS has charged us not to give up. He has charged us to go back into production, and he has charged us to start from wherever little we can to make sure that we grow Nigeria’s industrial complex. This strategic direction he has given to us has been very, very positive.
“This approach came in late 2023 with intention to meet business returns. Many defence related industries came to us but amongst the many that came to us the D7G distinguished itself in effortlessly presenting its proposals”. He said.
