Nigeria’s drive towards achieving self-reliance in military equipment manufacturing has gained fresh momentum, as DICON-D7G announced plans to expand local defence production, attract international investments and generate 7,000 jobs for retired military officers and civilians.
The initiative, which is being showcased at the ongoing Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos, also features a proposal to acquire 40,000 square metres of land for the construction of a modern international exhibition centre.
The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, disclosed the plans in a statement issued to journalists on Monday. He explained that the initiative was designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported military hardware by promoting local manufacturing, technology transfer and industrial development.
As one of the major sponsors of AFRIDEX, DICON-D7G is leveraging the exhibition to advance its vision of developing a robust Nigerian military-industrial sector through domestic production, strategic collaborations, investment opportunities and job creation.
The renewed initiative comes 61 years after the establishment of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in 1964, as the country continues to explore ways to strengthen its ability to produce a significant portion of the military equipment needed by its armed forces.
Over the years, Nigeria has relied heavily on foreign countries
