President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasised the commitment of the Federal Government to top notch national security. He said the commitment of the administration to ‘speedy growth of the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex’ was the motivation for assenting to the New DICON Act 2023 within six months of the administration.
The President, who spoke on Wednesday at the Opening Ceremony of the 60th anniversary of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and the Inaugural Africa Defence Industries Conference (ADIC) which theme is “Future Frontiers in Africa’s Defence Technology,” in Abuja, said the right environment has been created for DICON to be equipped with modern automated production lines and production systems.
According to the President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen George Akume, “DICON Evolution Strategy and Road Map 2030,” which is based on the DICON Act 2023 that was launched at the anniversary celebration, aims to bridge performance gaps in the country’s Military Industrial Complex while repositioning DICON as a global player, as was long envisaged by Nigeria’s founding fathers.
Tinubu expressed delight at the progress made by the Corporation, saying: “I am happy to see the progress towards establishing our first uncrewed or unmanned aerial and land vehicle automated production lines,” adding that the lofty steps would bring Nigeria closer to the rest of the world, and would significantly impact ongoing efforts of government to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the country.
Further discussing the significance of assenting to the DICON Act 2023, President Tinubu stated: “We mark a new era for DICON, positioning it as the arrowhead of our Military Industrial Complex, providing a robust framework to drive our strategic objectives in defence manufacturing and technology and supporting the modernisation of our Armed Forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges.”
Tinubu said as Nigeria celebrates the diamond jubilee of DICON, Nigeria also embraces a renewed vision for the future, aligned with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the administration.
“We pridefully recall that in 1966, barely two years after its establishment, DICON’s ammunition production contributed significantly to the preservation of our country during the civil war, leading to the unity we now enjoy. Today, DICON has the most significant market potential in Africa and is repositioned to leverage the vast potential of the private sector to pursue innovations and technologies that will ramp up our indigenous defence productions,” he added.
He promised that his administration will invest substantially in DICON to ensure that it delivers on its mandate efficiently within the 2030 roadmap timeframe, adding that the upgraded capabilities emerging from the strategy will significantly enhance Nigeria’s defence infrastructure, ensuring peace and prosperity for the nation.
According to the president, the newly automated production lines for various categories of ammunition, Mine Resistant Ambush Patrol Vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carrier, drones, and unmanned ground vehicles, for instance, will provide the armed forces with advanced equipment tailored to Nigeria’s contemporary challenges, providing troops with the required advantage over adversaries.
Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle who described the anniversary celebration as a historic occasion, said it was also an opportunity to chart a new course for the future of Nigeria’s defense sector and the broader African continent.
He described the establishment of DICON in 1964 as “a bold and visionary step towards self-reliance in Nigeria’s defence capabilities,” adding that it has since become a vital pillar of national security.
Matawalle agreed with Tinubu that “over the past 60 years, DICON has made significant contributions to our nation’s defence architecture, providing the Nigerian Armed Forces with essential equipment and supporting the development of our military capabilities.”
He stated: “As we stand on the threshold of a new era, it is clear that the future holds even greater opportunities for growth and transformation of indigenous production in Nigeria.”
The minister lauded the recent enactment of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a turning point in the history of the country’s defence sector, assuring that the new legal framework empowers DICON to operate with greater autonomy and efficiency, enhancing its ability to meet the evolving defence needs of our nation.
Matawalle said the celebration also serves as the platform for the launch of DICON’s Vision and Strategy Road Map 2030. This strategic plan is aligned with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and is designed to position DICON as a leader in defence innovation, not just in Nigeria but across the African continent.
According to the minister, the roadmap outlines clear objectives for strengthening national security, promoting sustainable development, and driving economic diversification through defence sector industrialization, digitization, and innovation.
“I am particularly excited about the launch of the Maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference,” the minister said, adding that it is a groundbreaking initiative that will bring together defence experts, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across Africa and beyond.
“This conference is a testament to our commitment to fostering collaboration and exploring new frontiers in defence technology.”
The minister commended the management and staff of DICON for working dedicatedly to reawaken the mandate of DICON.
Director-General, DICON, Major General A. E. Edet discussed the evolution of the corporation saying: “DICON, was established in August 1964, borne out of a visionary mandate to support and enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
“Our founding mission was clearly to ensure Nigeria’s self-reliance in the provision of essential military hardware and armaments. This was not just a strategic move for defence purposes, but a bold step towards fostering technological advancement and industrial development within Nigeria.”
Discussing the progress that has been made in the realization of the mandate of the corporation, the Director General said: “DICON has evolved significantly, adapting to the dynamic landscapes of military technology and global defence trends.”
He said in the early years, the corporation focused 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, adding that in the 21st century, projects at DICON have become more diverse, encompassing not only military products but also ventures into civilian applications that leverage our technological capabilities.
