It is crucial that every nation attain a level of independence in critical sectors such as Defence. It is against this backdrop that the Federal Government of Nigeria establishd the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in 1964 to harness the potentials in local manufacturering of Defence equipment sourcing materials within the country.
DICON has since then come a long way playing critical role in Nigeria's defence sector and meeting some of the manufacturing needs of the Nigerian military.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has over the years expanded its capabilities by venturing into the manufacture of military vehicles, artillery, and other defence equipments geared towards meeting the Defence needs of Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Defence Dr. Matawalle while briefing the Press on Monday 12th August 2024 as part of activities making the 60th anniversary of DICON, at the Headquarters Ministry of Defence Abuja Nigeria's Capital said the event will be marked alongside the launch of the Maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference (ADIC) in Abuja between August 14-15, 2024.
DICON @ 60 Matawalle stressed is a significant milestone in Nigeria's journey to innovation, resilience, and dedication to the defence needs of the nation.
"This is the first of its kind for DICON to have this kind of exhibition that we have over one hundred and fifty other foreign nationales who would come and exhibit their defence capabilities and capacity in Nigeria and to ensure that the capacity and capability of DICON is boosted to be able to produce our own armament. We assure you within the limited time, you'll see what DICON can be able to produce, many African countries now are coming to DICON for the procurement of their arms and ammunition" state the Minister of State for Defence in Nigeria.
He further highlighted the critical role DICON has played in Nigeria's defence sector, collaborating with indigenous companies to achieve excellence in military manufacturing.
DICON's journey he further stated began with a modest start, focusing on the production of small arms and ammunition and over the years, the corporation expanded its capabilities, venturing into the manufacture of military vehicles, artillery, and other defence equipment.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana while making some clarifications response to questions raised by journalists was emphatic on the law that ensures that defence related equipment procurement must be locally sourced.
This according to him is to ensure that local manufacturers who will be leading the production of the Defence needs of the country reap the benefits of their investments.
"The law now is makes it mandatory for us in Ministry of Defence, the National Security Advisers Office, Ministry of Interior, Police Affairs and all other security organisations in Nigeria that if you are procuring any arms or ammunitions using government funds, you have no right to go and procure abroad unless it's not available in Nigeria" stated the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence.
The Director General DICON, Major General Aniedi Edet while recalling the journey so far said "at establishment DICON started with arms and ammunition, but as at today, the establishment has ventured into many other areas, when you look at a typical soldier from head to toe, everything he is using, the wearable and the armament is what DICON is currently manufacturing".
He highlighted that the 60th celebration and the Maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference will give a platform to young inventors to showcase their inventions.
The event has as its theme, "DICON @ 60: Future Frontiers in Africa's Defence Technology,".
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