Nigeria targets production of 300m ammunition locally – Matawalle
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, says the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is targeting the production of 300 million ammunition for the military and other security agencies in the country.
Matawalle said this in Kaduna at the DICON’s end-of-year celebration and Director-General’s (D-G) Productivity Award ceremony.
“Today, DICON is able to produce so many rounds of ammunition and forward to the military.
“Our target is to produce 300 million rounds of ammunition.
“We will also be producing other military equipments like MRAPs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other equipment for the military and paramilitary agencies,” he said.
Matawalle emphasised that the defence ministry was trying to limit arms procurements from outside the country.
“Any requirement of the military or other security agencies have to come to DICON for supply.
“Before now, we send our money to other countries, devalue our currency which makes the dollar go higher because we don’t have a productivity plan.
“Today, we thank God that with the leadership of the DICON’s director-general, the industry is seeing a lot of changes,” the defence minister said.
Matawalle assured Nigerians that in three to four months, DICON would meet the demands of the military and other security agencies.
He noted that the recent assent of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu had paved the way for the corporation to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
He said the defence ministry had given a lot of tasks to the DICON’s Director-general, and expressed the hope that within a limited time, they would gather to celebrate the full production of arms by DICON.
Matawalle said that DICON was expected to reach its peak in military and paramilitary requirements particularly in the production of arms and ammunition.
On the end-of-year celebration and productivity award, the Minister said it would be held annually motivate the staffers.
He commended the director-general, his management staff and other workers for their dedication and hard work.
Earlier, the DICON’s boss, Major General Anaedi Edet, said the celebration and the award were to mark the successful conclusion of the corporation’s 2024 activities and production year.
Edet said that DICON was established with the visionary mandate to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces by ensuring Nigeria’s self-reliance in essential military hardware.
He said that the mandate was not just for defence, but a strategic move to foster technological advancement and industrial development within Nigeria.
Over the decades, he said, DICON had evolved significantly to meet the dynamic needs of the armed forces.
“Initially focused on the production of small arms and ammunition, we adapted to address the increasingly complex and contemporary threats facing our nation.
“As the landscape of defence technology and industry expanded, so too did our scope, including venturing into civilian applications that leverage our technological capabilities,” he said.
Edet said the corporation had resumed productive activities in spite of the numerous challenges and had inaugurated the new DICON board at the ministry of Defence with support of Matawalle.
In spite of the recorded successes, he lamented that the corporation has continued to face significant challenges ranging from funding constraints, outdated equipment, skill gaps and the pressing need for staff training and certifications.
The DICON boss, however, assured of their commitment to overcoming the challenges.
“Looking ahead, we are focused on securing new funding opportunities, investing in modern production lines, and prioritising the training and development of our workforce.
“With a clear vision and dedicated team, DICON is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and achieve even greater success.
“Our ‘All DICON factories must produce’ initiative reflects our commitment to technological innovation and collaboration for the security and prosperity of our nation.
“The DICON end-of-year celebration is not just an occasion to reflect on our achievements, but also a call to action for all employees and stakeholders,”he said.
Edet, therefore, said the event was also a time to recognise and celebrate the exceptional staff who distinguished themselves in 2024.
He addedbthat it highlighted the hard work and dedication of those who have contributed to DICON’s successes.
Edet assured that DICON remains unwavering in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate.
Highpoints of the event were traditional dances by various cultural groups and special presentations to staff who retired or were posted out, as a token of the corporation’s appreciation for their invaluable services and support.