By Bavoriat Clara
In a landmark move to strengthen Nigeria’s defence-industrial base and boost local content in the oil and gas sector, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Oida Energy Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the nation’s first in-country oilfield shaped charge manufacturing facility. The signing took place in Abuja on Tuesday, 16th September 2025.
In a statement by the Acting Public Relations Officer, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Lieutenant Amen Zingzhi, the initiative was described as a groundbreaking step in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported oilfield explosive technologies while advancing indigenous capacity in critical industrial production.
Once operational, the facility will deliver safe, reliable, and locally manufactured shaped charges to support upstream petroleum operations, foster technology transfer, and enhance technical expertise within Nigeria. It will also generate employment, promote skills development, and contribute to foreign exchange savings through reduced imports.
Present at the ceremony were the Director General of DICON, Maj Gen B.I. Alaya, the CEO/MD of Oida Energy Limited, Engr Emeka Ene, representatives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), officials of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and senior directors from both organisations.
Speaking at the event, Maj Gen Alaya described the collaboration as a “critical step towards building indigenous capacity in sensitive and strategic industrial technologies.” On his part, Engr Ene reaffirmed Oida Energy’s commitment to “delivering world-class standards in local manufacturing to support Nigeria’s energy and security needs.”
The NUPRC and ONSA both commended the initiative, stressing its alignment with national policies on local content, security, and industrial development.
This partnership highlights the power of public–private collaboration in driving industrialisation and marks a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward self-reliance in energy and defence technologies.
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