Nigeria To Produce Ammunition Locally For West Africa Under New DICON Act – Says HoR Defence Committee

Kaduna State – The House of Representatives Committee on Defence has announced that Nigeria is now capable of producing ammunition and military hardware locally, thanks to the recently signed Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

During an oversight visit to key military installations—including the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)—the committee highlighted the significant strides made by DICON in local production.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, emphasized the importance of this achievement in reducing Nigeria’s dependency on foreign arms suppliers.

“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 stated.

Benson, who was instrumental in sponsoring the DICON Bill, called for a continued focus on innovation, research, and development within the corporation to ensure that all produced military equipment meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

He explained that DICON should aspire to become a global leader in defence production, positioning Nigeria as a regional exporter of defence technology.

“The new DICON Act 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,” he added, highlighting the economic potential of this initiative.

During an oversight visit to Kaduna, Hon. Benson emphasized the importance of understanding the roles and functions of the three key agencies under the armed forces.

He expressed satisfaction with the findings, stating, “We are very impressed with the management of these institutions, namely the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the Command and Staff College in Jaji, and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Despite the challenges posed by fluctuating revenue and the Naira’s instability, they have managed to maintain high standards and fly their flags proudly.”

Hon. Benson commended the NDA as the flagship military training institution, highlighting its success in producing highly disciplined and capable officers who serve Nigeria with distinction both domestically and internationally.

He noted that the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji remains a beacon of academic and military excellence, fostering strategic thinkers and leaders who significantly contribute to national and international security.

He praised DICON for its advancements in locally producing firearms and military hardware, enhancing the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.

“These interconnected defence agencies are pillars of our national security architecture, each playing a critical role in ensuring our military is well-trained, well-equipped, and prepared to tackle the complex security challenges of today and the future,” he stated.

In addressing the challenges of modern warfare, Hon. Benson emphasized the need for continuous adaptation and innovation in response to technological advancements and evolving global threats.

He reiterated the importance of equipping military personnel with cutting-edge knowledge and training to confront asymmetric threats, such as insurgencies and cyber warfare.

He expressed optimism about DICON’s potential for growth, noting that President Buhari’s recent signing of a bill to transform DICON into a multi-industrial complex could lead to improved budget allocations in 2025. “If we produce military hardware and software locally, Nigeria can achieve self-sufficiency and even support the West African region, thus saving foreign exchange,” he remarked.

Hon. Benson also highlighted the need for local ammunition production to support training for marksmen and emphasised that many supplies are currently imported.

He called for continued budgetary enhancements for DICON, the NDA, and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji.

Following a closed-door meeting, NDA Commandant Major General John Ochai informed journalists that significant decisions were made to advance the three institutions and the Armed Forces.

“We had extensive discussions, and I assure you that these decisions will propel the institutions and the Armed Forces forward,” he stated.

He expressed confidence in the leadership capacity that would result from training cadets at the NDA, as well as the enhanced capabilities of DICON following the legislation sponsored by Hon. Babajimi Benson.

“We also took far-reaching decisions regarding the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, which will strengthen its capacity to develop mid-level Armed Forces officers, ultimately benefiting the military as a whole,” he concluded.