By Bavoriat Clara
Union DICON Salt (UDS), Nigeria’s pioneering producer of iodised salt, has officially returned to the market after a 21-year absence. The relaunch ceremony took place on Monday, 4 August 2025, at the Kirikiri Light Terminal Phase II in Apapa, Lagos.
The relaunch was performed on behalf of the Chairman of UDS, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (GCON, retired), by the Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General BI Alaya.
The announcement was made in a statement by DICON’s Media Relations Officer, Lieutenant Christopher Agu.Speaking at the event, Major General Alaya disclosed that General Danjuma had given the directive to reactivate and expand the UDS operations.
He revealed that the Chairman tasked him with providing a comprehensive plan for the revival and growth of the company to reclaim its leadership in Nigeria’s salt industry.
The DICON DG commended the management and staff of UDS for their hard work and determination, especially in overcoming the challenges that trailed the company’s long period of dormancy.
He noted that his own appointment came at a time when both DICON and UDS were undergoing revitalisation and pledged to justify the trust placed in him by the Chairman.
He urged the workers to remain committed to building a more prosperous future and prayed for long life and continued strength for General Danjuma.
In her remarks, the Acting Managing Director of UDS, Barrister Mrs Florence Iroye, expressed gratitude to the DG, former DGs, representatives of the Ministry of Defence, UDS staff, board members, shareholders, and members of the audit committee for their dedication and teamwork.She traced the company’s journey, noting that despite a history marked by significant challenges including a rebranding and public listing operations were halted in 2004. However, she affirmed that the dream of revitalising UDS never died.
Visibly elated, she announced that UDS was now fully set to resume production after more than two decades of inactivity.Following the formal commissioning, the DG led attendees on a guided tour of the newly upgraded UDS factory.
Sections visited included the raw materials storage area, the production line, and the quality control laboratory. Guests were impressed with the modern infrastructure and clean, well-organised facility layout.
The event later moved to the conference hall where several dignitaries paid glowing tributes to General Danjuma for his vision, passion, and personal commitment to the rebirth of UDS. Mr. Illiya Sakaba, a member of the UDS board, described the revival as “a resurrection of a dead company,” made possible through the unwavering efforts of management and the Chairman’s unwavering support.
The relaunch event was attended by a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including UDS board members, shareholders, DICON liaison officers from the Lagos office, audit committee members, contractors, consultants, and the company’s external solicitors.
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