A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at achieving self-reliance in military hardware production has been signed between The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The signing was held in Abuja.
Mohammed Matawale, the Minister of State for Defence in his speech shortly after signing the MOU, affirmed that Nigeria will begin exporting arms and ammunition through the revitalized Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) despite Nigeria grappling with a demand for ammunition, with the military alone requiring 200 million rounds each year.
According to him, the ceremony marked the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at transforming DICON into a leading military-industrial complex.
He informed that the agency is on the path to becoming a significant player in the global defense industry.
“When factoring in the needs of other paramilitary forces and the police, the total annual requirement surges to a staggering 350 million rounds.
“For the last 60 years, DICON has struggled to fulfill its potential, but today marks a new era.
“With the support of President Bola Tinubu and the inclusion 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, located on 24,000 hectares of land, will play a pivotal role in supplying the raw materials needed for the production of military equipment”
On his part, Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Audu highlighted the strategic importance of Ajaokuta in this initiative.
“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,”
“The collaboration is not only expected to enhance Nigeria’s defense capabilities but also to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign imports”
In his remark, NASENI’s CEO, Khalil Halilu underscored the agency’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
“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 the generations yet to be born to ensure that the vision of the Nigerian Military-Industrial Complex becomes a reality”, Halilu said.
The partnership between MOD, NASENI, and the Ministry of Steel Development is set to redefine the country’s defense landscape, securing a stronger and more independent future for the nation.
Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, emphasized the whole-of-government approach being employed to ensure the success of this initiative.
“By working together 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,”
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