The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has disclosed that the Defence Trade Company of Nigeria (DICON) now produces and provides arms and ammunition to different African international locations.
He disclosed this yesterday whereas briefing journalists on DICON’s sixtieth anniversary and the maiden Africa Defence Industries convention launch, which will probably be held from 14 to fifteen August 2024 in Abuja.
He mentioned the anniversary celebration, with the theme “DICON @ 60: Future Frontiers in Africa’s Defence Expertise,” underscores the Nigerian authorities’s dedication to advancing defence capabilities by means of strategic partnerships, innovation, and technological developments.
“However we guarantee you that we have now the capability, we are able to produce, and as you realize, many African international locations are actually coming to DICON to acquire their arms and ammunition.”
The Minister acknowledged that the brand new DICON Act 2023 has the potential to considerably contribute to Nigeria’s nationwide improvement and nationwide safety by boosting international trade earnings by means of native manufacturing of defence tools, creating jobs for expert Nigerians and lowering capital flight to international nations.
DICON was established in 1964 to make sure defence manufacturing, contributing considerably to nationwide safety and technological development.
“This sixtieth anniversary marks a big milestone in our journey of innovation, resilience, and dedication to our nation’s defence wants,” he mentioned.
“At the moment, DICON is celebrating 60 years of devoted service in producing and repairing navy {hardware} and tools. Since its institution, DICON has performed an important position in Nigeria’s defence sector, collaborating with indigenous firms to attain excellence in navy manufacturing,” he added.
He acknowledged that DICON’s journey started with a modest begin, specializing in producing small arms and ammunition. Through the years, the company expanded its capabilities, venturing into manufacturing navy automobiles, artillery, and different defence tools.
He mentioned, “Regardless of going through challenges, DICON persevered, pushed by its dedication to self-reliance and nationwide safety. DICON’s 60-year journey is a testomony to Nigeria’s dedication to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The company has established itself as a key participant within the defence sector by means of collaboration and innovation. As DICON continues to evolve, its contributions will stay essential to Nigeria’s nationwide safety and financial development”.
He defined that the Africa Defence Industries Convention (ADIC) will probably be a premier platform for business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and discover the long run frontiers of African defence expertise.
Due to this fact, he referred to as on innovators, startups, and analysis establishments to current their cutting-edge options by means of the Defence Innovation Problem that may improve nationwide and regional safety.
A few of the actions lined up embody an exhibition/Digital Tour of DICON and the Launch of the New DICON Technique and Model Identification at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday, 14th August 2024 and the Closing Ceremony, Ebook Launch, and commemoration of DICON’s previous Board Chairmen and Director Generals on Thursday, fifteenth August 2024 at 6:00 pm.
The Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Abubakar Kana, mentioned in his remarks that the federal authorities had mandated all companies to acquire arms from DICON first to spice up native manufacturing.
He mentioned, “Any MDA that wishes to acquire arms now should search clearance from the Ministry” and can solely be allowed to acquire arms overseas if not produced by DICON.
He disclosed that the President had directed NASENI to associate with the Ministry by means of DICON to start the manufacturing of small ammunition in Nigeria.
“I guarantee everybody that Nigeria won’t repurchase 7.62mm calibre ammunition within the subsequent two years. The Public Procurement Act additionally helps native manufacturing, not solely military-industrial firms however any items produced in Nigeria; all procuring entities within the nation have been mandated to place it as a primary line earlier than importation.”
The Director Basic of DICON, Main Basic AE Edet, mentioned the convention will deliver an progressive youth board to help the imaginative and prescient. He mentioned DICON will quickly start to supply drones and unarmed automobiles.
“We’re going to deliver youth which might be gifted round Nigeria. Now we have heard of instances in lots of states in Nigeria the place youth are already innovatively making issues within the data sector. So, we don’t need these folks to get into the flawed fingers at this stage”.
He mentioned DICON, by its Act, was meant to supply all the things utilized by armed forces.
“It’s true that we began with arms and ammunition on the institution. However as of as we speak, we have now ventured into many different areas. So, after we have a look at a typical soldier from head to toe, all the things he’s utilizing, each what he’s placing on himself and what DICON is at the moment producing,
“We’re making preparations to supply those we aren’t producing now. We’re already innovating in producing unarmed floor automobiles, unarmed automobiles, and drones. Now we have completed some testing for this stuff and even ammunition”.
