The ample land resources and industrial facilities at Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASCO) will be deployed to support the establishment of the proposed Military Industrial Complex (MIC) of the Federal Government, Minister of Steel Development Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu has said.
The minister, who made the disclosure during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Defense (MoD), the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure at the Defense Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, assured that the Ministry of Steel will cooperate with the collaborating establishments to support the strengthening of Nigeria’s defense capabilities and the attainment of self-reliance in the production of military hardware and armaments.
Discussing the role of the Ministry of Steel Development in the actualisation of the collaboration, Audu stated: “Ajaokuta Steel Company provides a perfect platform for the establishment of the Military Industrial Complex,” adding that “Ajaokuta sits on 24,000 hectares of land while the steel plant, which has 44 production units, sits on 800 hectares.”
“There are also over 10,000 housing units, of which about 4,000 are occupied. So, Ajaokuta Steel Company has the capacity to host military barracks,” he said, adding that there are engineering workshops in some production units at ASCO that will be deployed to realise the set goal.
The Minister commended the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASCO) and the overall industrialization of Nigeria, saying that the joint venture between MoD, DICON, NASENI opens news doors and avenues for Nigeria to put her security architecture and infrastructure in her own hands.
“It is a milestone that will strengthen our national defense system and it will also help to improve the security situation of the country,” he added.
The collaboration entails the establishment of a Military Industrial Complex for Research and Development, the production of arms and ammunition, and the development of military industrial infrastructure for the purpose of national defense.
The Minister of State for Defense who is also the Chairman, Board of the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, described the partnership as a milestone in Nigeria’s quest for national security and self reliance in arms production. He commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to secure the country, stating that the milestones recorded by the administration in strengthening DICON are unprecedented.
He expressed optimism that talks with the Minister of Steel Development have reached an advanced stage, saying that the Ministry of Defense will soon sign another milestone MoU with the Ministry of Steel Development toward consolidating on the efforts being made to strengthen Nigeria’s defense capabilities.
Matawalle explained that patriotism is the motivation for the giant strides scored by the administration, adding that he is determined to leave a legacy of achievements.
“We have been traveling all over the world and we see how local manufacturers are developing their countries. Unfortunately, in Nigeria for sixty years, we have not done anything. Today, the story has changed and it will continue to change,” he said, adding that as long as he is Minister of Defense, DICON will be strengthened to ensure that Nigeria attains self-sufficiency in military hardware while it produces armaments for export, a development he said will be a source of foreign exchange.
Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described the MoU signing ceremony as a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of the government to strengthen Nigeria’s defense capabilities and achieve self-reliance in the production of military hardware.
Halilu said the establishment of the Military Industrial Complex (MIC) is not just a strategic initiative, but also a national imperative in a world where technological advancement drives global security dynamics.
While saying that it is crucial that Nigeria position itself within emerging trends in indigenous solutions, he pointed out that the partnership between the NASENI and the MOD is a testament to the government’s commitment to financing Nigeria’s scientific and engineering expertise in the area of national defense.
According to the Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI is at the forefront of promoting innovation and technological advancement across various sectors of the Nigerian economy. “By our track record of success and development in manufacturing, we are poised to contribute meaningfully to the establishment of the Military Industrial Complex,” he said.
He said the goal is to produce a robust ecosystem that will not only support the needs of the armed forces but that will also foster the growth of local industries, thereby reducing Nigeria’s dependency on foreign products.
Halilu stated: “The Military Industrial Complex will serve as a hub for the development, production and maintenance of military equipment ranging from small arms to advanced defense systems,” adding that by leveraging NASENI’s expertise in such areas as material science, robotics and advanced manufacturing, NASENI will ensure that the Nigerian military is well equipped for the defense of the country.
“The MoU represents the beginning of a long term collaboration aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s defense capabilities through innovation and indigenous production,” he said, adding that through the partnership, NASENI will lay a solid foundation for a self reliant defense industry that can meet Nigeria’s needs while also contributing to the economic growth of the country.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, commended the collaborating institutions for their efforts, adding that the administration desires development collaboration between government establishments and also the private sector. This, he said, would maximize the realization of set goals.
While saying that the incubation period for the establishment of the factory is usually between one or two years, Kana expressed optimism that by August 2026, Nigeria would have something to show in its journey toward self-reliance in the production of military hardware and armaments.
