The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, aiming to achieve self-reliance in the production of military hardware.
This partnership comes at a time when Nigeria faces a significant demand for ammunition, with the military alone requiring 200 million rounds annually.
Speaking at the MOU signing ceremony, the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Matawalle, announced that Nigeria is set to begin exporting arms and ammunition through the revitalized Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
Matawalle emphasized that the MOU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at transforming DICON into a leading military-industrial complex, positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global defense industry.
“When considering the needs of other paramilitary forces and the police, the total annual ammunition requirement rises to a staggering 350 million rounds,” Matawalle noted. “For the past 60 years, DICON has struggled to realize its potential, but today marks a new era.
With the support of President Bola Tinubu and the involvement of talented young leaders, we are confident that DICON will soon be exporting military equipment, reducing our reliance on foreign imports, and strengthening Nigeria’s defense infrastructure.”
The partnership between MOD, NASENI, and the Ministry of Steel Development, which oversees the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, is expected to create a robust ecosystem for the production of military hardware, ranging from small arms to advanced defense systems.
The Ajaokuta Steel Plant, spanning 24,000 hectares, will play a pivotal role in supplying the raw materials needed for this production.
Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, highlighted Ajaokuta’s strategic importance in this initiative, stating, “Ajaokuta provides the perfect platform for the military-industrial complex. With its vast resources and existing infrastructure, it has the capacity to support the production of helmets, vests, rifles, bullets, and even military tanks.”
This collaboration is not only expected to bolster Nigeria’s defense capabilities but also stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign imports.
NASENI’s CEO, Khalil Halilu, underscored the agency’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement, stating, “This MOU represents the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing our defense capabilities through innovation and indigenous production. We owe it to our nation and future generations to ensure that the vision of the Nigerian Military-Industrial Complex becomes a reality.”
The partnership between MOD, NASENI, and the Ministry of Steel Development is poised to redefine Nigeria’s defense landscape, securing a stronger and more independent future for the nation.
Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, emphasized the government’s comprehensive approach to ensuring the success of this initiative.
“By collaborating with the private sector, we are laying the foundation for a self-reliant defense industry that can meet the needs of our armed forces and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth,” Kana stated.
The MOU signing was attended by Mohammed Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, and Khalil Halilu, Chief Executive Officer of NASENI.
LV