Nigeria can produce ammunition for West Africa locally – HoR Committee

With the new DICON Act signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has the capacity to produce locally, ammunition as well as other military hardware and software for the Nigerian Armed Forces and the whole of West Africa.

The House of Representatives Committee on Defence stated this in Kaduna during its oversight visits to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, and Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Speaking to journalists after the close door meeting which followed a tour of the three military installations, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, said, DICON’s progress in producing locally made firearms and other military hardware is a significant achievement that strengthens Nigeria’s Armed Forces and reduces dependency on foreign suppliers.

Hon. Benson who sponsored the new DICON Bill in the National Assembly before it was finally passed and signed into and Act by President Tinubu said, “In today’s global security environment, the ability of a nation to manufacture its own defence equipment is crucial to its sovereignty and resilience.”

He however said that, DICON must continue to prioritise innovation, research, and development to ensure that all military equipment produced meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

“It must strive to be a global leader in defence production, not only catering to the needs of our military but also positioning Nigeria as a regional exporter of defence technology thereby contributing to its economic growth.”

“The new DICON Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, provides the legal framework to support these goals. I encourage DICON to make full use of this opportunity to expand its reach and enhance its capabilities.”

Speaking on the objective of the oversight visit and findings of the Committee, Hon. Benson said they were in Kaduna to see feel and understand the roles and functions of the three agencies under the armed forces.

“Our findings are that we are very impressed with the management of these institutions, that is the NDA, Command and Staff College Jaji and the DICON; they are actually punching beyond their ways. The revenue issues that we have, the fluctuation of the Naira, they have been able to float and keep their heads high, they fly the flags very high.”

“THe NDA, as the flagship military training institution of our country, continues to produce highly disciplined and capable officers who go on to serve Nigeria with distinction both at home and abroad. The Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, remains a beacon of academic and military excellence, producing strategic thinkers and leaders who contribute significantly to both national and international security efforts.

“DICON, as Nigeria’s primary defence manufacturing body, has made notable advancements in the production of locally made firearms and other military hardware, thus enhancing our Armed Forces’ operational capacity.

“These interconnected defence agencies stand as pillars of our national security architecture, each playing a critical role in ensuring that our Armed Forces are well-trained, well-equipped, and well-prepared for the complex security challenges of today and tomorrow.

“In the 21st century, modern warfare, driven by rapid advancements in technology and the changing nature of global threats, requires us to continuously adapt and innovate. So, whether it is the cadets at NDA or the senior officers at Command and Staff College, Jaji, our military personnel must be equipped with cutting-edge knowledge, advanced training and a forward-looking mindset to address both asymmetric threats such as insurgencies and terrorist groups, as well as cyber warfare and other sophisticated forms of global threats and conflicts.

“DICON can do better. Good enough, Mr President has since January signed the Bill that will turn DICON into a multi industrial complex. So, we also expect to see a better budgetary allocation for them in 2025..

“DICON has more potentials to turn the fortunes of the hardware, software military equipment significantly if we produce these items, ensure that they get a factory that can produce these, Nigeria will be self sufficient in military hardware and software and also has the capacity to also feed the entire West Africa and save foreign exchange.

“Like the NDA Commandant told us, they need ammunitions to train marksmen. The Arned Forces need a lot of ammunitions and majority of these are purchased abroad. We can do these locally. We can continue to ensure that Mr President grants budgetary enhancement for DICON, NDA and for Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji,” Hon. Benson said.

Also speaking to Journalists after the closed door meeting, Commandant of NDA, Major General John Ochai, disclosed that far reaching decisions were made, which he expressed confidence will move the three institutions and the Armed Forces forward.

According to him, “We had series of discussions and I can assure you that far reaching decisions were made that will move the three institutions and the Armed Forces forward.

“You will see a better capacity in the leadership we provide for the Armed Forces base on the Cadets we train out of the Nigerian Defence Academy. And you will see more capacity for the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria base on the Act that Hon. Babajimi Benson sponsored, which has now enhanced its capacity to collaborate with other defence related establishments, including the private initiatives.

“Far reaching decisions were also taken regarding the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji which will enable it to build capacity, to develop Armed Forces Officers of the middle rank cadre and the Armed Forces will be better for it generally.”