Minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle, has disclosed that many African countries now purchase arms and ammunition from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
He made this known at the 60th anniversary celebration of DICON and launch of the maiden Africa defence industries conference, held in Abuja.
DICON was founded in 1964 to enhance national security by reducing dependence on foreign arms.
The DICON Bill, 2023, was assented to by President Bola Tinubu in November.
The minister noted that in spite industry challenges, DICON is committed to independence and has the capacity to produce military vehicles and artilleries.
“DICON’s 60-year journey is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production.
“But we assure you that we have the capacity, we can produce, and as you know, many countries, many African countries now are coming to DICON for the procurement of arms and ammunition,” Matawalle stated.
Permanent secretary in the ministry of defence, Ibrahim Kana, said it is now compulsory for all security agencies to procure their arms and ammunition from DICON.
Kana said in the next two years, Nigeria will no longer import certain types of ammunition, particularly 7.62mm calibre ammunition.
“The law now makes it mandatory for us in the ministry of defence, the national security advisers office, ministry of interior, police affairs and all other security organisations in Nigeria… if you are procuring any arms or ammunitions using government funds, you have no rights to go and procure abroad unless we did not have any money in Nigeria,” the permanent secretary said.
