FG allocates N8bn to defence agency amid weapons importation

The Federal Government has allocated a total sum of N7,940,323,192 to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, to revamp the nation’s arms production capabilities.

Established in 1963 to manufacture weapons locally, DICON’s performance has been repeatedly questioned as Nigeria continues to rely heavily on foreign countries for arms and ammunition.

Successive administrations have promised to revitalise the corporation, committing significant funds to boost domestic production of weapons.

However, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

Between January and July 2024, the Federal Government spent no less than N63.6bn on procuring military equipment and ammunition for the Nigerian military and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Similarly, a sum of N115bn was spent on arms and ammunition imports in the first quarter of 2023.

A detailed breakdown of the 2025 Appropriation Bill before the National Assembly reveals that personnel is to gulp N2,958,154,534, overhead expenses N774,174,124, and capital projects N4,207,994,534.

The capital allocation includes funding for several new projects aimed at modernising DICON’s facilities.

Among the projects are, “Repair and Replacement of Obsolete/Dilapidated Electrical Equipment and Infrastructure at DICON Ordnance Factory, N148 million; Rehabilitation of DICON Explosive Factory Buildings in Jebba, N150 million; Procurement of Raw Materials for Weapons and Ammunition Production: N295.8 million; Procurement of Tools and Tooling for Weapons and Ammunition Lines: N292.65 million and Electrification of DICON Explosive Factory in Jebba: N180 million.

Other projects include the provision of alternative power supply for DICON headquarters at N498,500,000; rehabilitation of access roads within the DICON industrial complex at N257,966,250; and the upgrade of security facilities at DICON factory complexes and headquarters at N281,896,000.

Additionally, a sum of N155,321,929 was projected for the renovation and rehabilitation of the weapons assemblies workshop, N161,159,806 for the establishment of an effluent plant at the DICON ordnance factory, and N114,299,108 for the construction of a blast-proof explosive research laboratory at the DICON research and development center.