The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle MON, today, Tuesday 17th December 2024, presided over the inaugural Board meeting of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) at the Ministry of Defence, Abuja.
The Inaugural meeting marked a significant milestone after the signing of the DICON Act into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last year in September in the ongoing efforts to revitalize and modernize Nigeria’s defense manufacturing sector.
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.
The meeting, which was attended by all the members of the Board and Partners, including the service chiefs and representative of Inspector General of Police focused on strategic discussions aimed at optimizing DICON’s operations and advancing the corporation’s role as a critical component of Nigeria’s national security architecture.
Dr. Matawalle underscored the importance of self-reliance in defense production, stressing that DICON is at the heart of Nigeria’s aspirations to become a leader in indigenous military manufacturing. He pointed to the recent enactment of the DICON Act 2023, which is designed to further bolster the corporation’s capacity and operational efficiency. This new law aims to expand DICON’s scope of operations, encouraging partnerships with local industries and other stakeholders, and ensuring that the corporation remains a key player in Nigeria’s defense manufacturing sector.
“As we move forward, all DICON factories must produce. This is the strategic path towards achieving the vision of self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. Our collective efforts will be pivotal in steering the corporation towards maximizing its potential to meet the needs of our Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies and contribute to national economic development,” Dr. Matawalle stated.
Furthermore, Dr. Matawalle emphasized the importance of fostering strategic partnerships with local entities to reduce unemployment. He also reaffirmed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration’s commitment and support for DICON, ensuring that the corporation remains at the forefront of Nigeria’s military industrial complex (MIC). This aligns with the Federal Government’s objective to enhance Nigeria’s self-reliance in defense technology, reduce foreign dependence, and foster job creation through industrial expansion.
In recent years, DICON has become increasingly involved in the production of advanced military technologies, such as armored vehicles, mine-resistant vehicles, and personnel carriers.
After the meeting, the Honourable Minister inspected some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (M-RAP) and Armored Personnel Carriers (APC), which were manufactured locally by E-PAIL Nigeria. The vehicles were presented by the Chairman of E-PAIL Nigeria, Engr. Kola Balogun. These advancements highlight the increasing involvement of local industries in supporting Nigeria’s defense needs, with the potential to enhance the country’s strategic defense capabilities.
The Inaugural Board meeting marked a new chapter for DICON, as the corporation progresses with its vision of modernization and self-sufficiency, the strategic direction provided today is expected to propel DICON towards becoming a key player in Africa’s defense manufacturing landscape.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria remains a vital arm of the federal government, contributing to the production of arms, ammunition, and other essential defense-related technologies for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agency. DICON’s role is expected to expand as the country seeks to become more self-reliant in defense manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and drive national economic development.
Ahmad Dan-wudil
Personal Assistant on Media
Office of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence
December 17, 2024
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