By Bavoriat Clara
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity as part of efforts to enhance national security and reduce dependence on foreign military hardware.
This was made known during a high-level general meeting of members of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) held in Abuja. The outcome of the meeting was contained in a statement issued by the General Secretary of Defence Industries Association of Nigeria, Engineer Kola Balogun.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director-General of DICON, Major General Ibrahim Alaya, stressed that the development of local defence production capability had become a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s security architecture.
He noted that strengthening indigenous capacity would improve the operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria by ensuring the timely availability of critical military equipment and enhancing supply chain resilience in support of ongoing military operations nationwide.
Major General Alaya explained that the effective implementation of the DICON Act 2023 remained central to the corporation’s vision of building a self-reliant defence industrial base. According to him, the Act provides a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for promoting local production, technology transfer, innovation, and increased private sector participation in defence manufacturing.
The DICON Director-General further charged members of DIAN and other stakeholders to intensify efforts towards achieving self-sufficiency in the production of military hardware and related technologies. He described indigenous defence production as a critical pillar of national security and emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders, and regulatory institutions to build a sustainable defence ecosystem capable of meeting Nigeria’s operational requirements.
The meeting also reviewed strategies for expanding DIAN membership to include more credible indigenous companies and stakeholders across the defence and security value chain. Participants agreed that wider inclusion would strengthen collaboration, encourage innovation, and deepen private sector participation in defence production initiatives.
Discussions during the meeting further focused on preparations for the forthcoming African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 26 to 29, 2026. Members were urged to use the platform to showcase Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities and technological innovations to both local and international audiences.
The meeting ended with a collective resolve by members to work closely with DICON and relevant government agencies towards building a resilient and self-sustaining military-industrial complex for Nigeria.
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