African Nations Turn To Nigeria For Arms Procurement – Matawalle

The Federal Government has announced that an increasing number of African countries are now procuring arms and ammunition from the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

This milestone has been achieved following the enactment of the new DICON Act 2023, which is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s national development and security by increasing foreign exchange earnings.

This announcement was made by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, during a press briefing at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

The briefing was part of the activities lined up for DICON’s 60th anniversary and the upcoming launch of the maiden edition of the Africa Defence Industries Conference.

The conference, scheduled for August 14-15 at DICON headquarters in Kaduna, is themed ‘DICON @ 60: Future Frontiers in Africa’s Defence Technology.’

“We assure you that we have the capacity, we have the capability to produce, and as you know, many countries, many African countries now are coming to DICON for the procurement of their arms and ammunition,” Matawalle speaking on the conference stated.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing defence capabilities through strategic partnerships, innovation, and technological advancements.

Matawalle emphasized that the DICON Act 2023 has opened new frontiers for Nigeria’s defence industry, allowing it to play a more prominent role in the continent’s security landscape.

DICON, established in 1964, has been pivotal in contributing to Nigeria’s national security and technological advancement.

Over the past six decades, the corporation has evolved from its initial focus on producing small arms and ammunition to manufacturing military vehicles, artillery, and other defence equipment.

“This 60th anniversary marks a significant milestone in our journey of innovation, resilience, and dedication to the defence needs of our nation. Today, DICON is celebrating 60 years of dedicated service in the production and repair of military hardware and equipment,” Matawalle said.

He further noted that DICON has collaborated with indigenous companies to achieve excellence in military manufacturing, positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s defence industry.