The Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), a government-owned organization created in 1964, was established to produce military equipment and ammunition for the Nigerian Armed Forces. Recently, it’s been making waves, thanks to the new DICON Act, which aims to boost local production of military gear and even export these products across West Africa. This move is designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign suppliers.
The House of Representatives Committee on Defense announced that DICON now has the ability to manufacture ammunition and other military hardware right here in Nigeria—not just for the country but for other West African nations as well. This news came after a team from the committee visited several important military facilities in Kaduna, including the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, and DICON itself.
The chairman of the committee, Babajimi Benson, called this progress a major milestone. He explained that DICON’s success in making military equipment locally strengthens Nigeria’s defense capabilities, meaning the country will no longer need to rely as much on foreign suppliers. He highlighted the importance of the new DICON Act, recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This act provides a legal foundation for DICON to expand its production capacity and grow into a bigger industrial complex. The goal? To position Nigeria as a regional leader in defense technology.
“In today’s world, a nation’s ability to manufacture its own defense equipment is essential for its independence and security,” Benson reportedly told journalists after a closed-door meeting. He added that DICON should continue focusing on innovation, research, and development to ensure its products are top quality and reliable. The new legislation is expected to transform DICON into a multi-industrial powerhouse, potentially making Nigeria a major player in the defense technology sector for all of West Africa.
Benson also pointed out the economic benefits of ramping up local production. Not only will DICON help Nigeria become self-sufficient in military supplies, but it will also serve the entire West African market. This means saving foreign exchange (money spent on imports) and creating new opportunities for exports. In simple terms, Nigeria could make a lot of money by selling military hardware to neighboring countries.
The committee also praised the Nigerian Defense Academy and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College for their work in training military leaders. Benson called the NDA a “flagship military training institution” that produces highly skilled officers who have served Nigeria well, both at home and internationally. He also said that the Armed Forces Command and Staff College continues to train strategic leaders who are vital for national and global security.
After the committee’s visit, Major General John Ochai, the Commandant of the NDA, expressed his confidence that the committee’s findings would help push the Nigerian Armed Forces and related institutions forward. He said that important decisions were made during the discussions, and these would have a significant impact on the military’s future.
Ochai also highlighted that the new DICON Act would promote closer collaboration between DICON and other defense organizations, whether public or private. This could lead to more partnerships, further boosting Nigeria’s military production and influence.
Overall, DICON is set to play a major role in strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities and positioning the country as a leader in West Africa’s military production scene. With the potential to export military equipment across the region, Nigeria is taking a bold step toward self-reliance and economic growth.
