The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to expand domestic arms manufacturing capacity, with a renewed focus on the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). Officials say the initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign imports and ensure the Nigerian Armed Forces are adequately equipped to confront rising security challenges.
At DICON’s 60th anniversary celebration, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, urged both local and international investors to partner with the corporation to enhance production of military arms and equipment. He emphasized that Nigeria must build a sustainable defence industry capable of meeting the needs of its armed forces and contributing to regional stability.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General John Ochai, had also called for stronger government support for DICON, noting that training without adequate equipment undermines military readiness. He stressed that DICON’s production rate should be scaled up to sustain the Armed Forces and meet other national demands.
In the 2025 national budget, the Federal Government allocated ₦8 billion to DICON for facility upgrades, raw material procurement, and research into advanced weapons systems. The funding is expected to modernize production lines and improve efficiency, positioning Nigeria to manufacture more of its own rifles, ammunition, and tactical equipment.
Context and Implications (woven into the narrative)
Nigeria’s push for local arms production comes amid escalating insecurity, including insurgency, banditry, and communal violence. Analysts argue that reliance on imported weapons has often delayed procurement and strained foreign reserves. By investing in DICON, the government hopes to cut costs, improve supply reliability, and foster technological innovation within the defence sector.
The initiative also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes industrial growth and self-reliance. If successful, the programme could create jobs, stimulate local industries, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional defence supplier. However, experts caution that transparency, accountability, and sustained investment will be critical to avoid past pitfalls where DICON struggled with underfunding and inefficiency.
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