Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) is set to lead the way in indigenous defence production and innovation, according to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
Speaking at the DICON 2024 End-of-Year Celebration at the corporation’s factory in Kaduna, Dr. Matawalle praised the organisation’s contributions to national security and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
“I am here not only to celebrate your success but also to offer words of encouragement as we step into the year 2025,” said the minister in a statement issued by his media aide, Ahmad Dan-Wudil.
Reflecting on the past year, Dr. Matawalle highlighted key achievements, including the Africa Defence Industries Conference, held in August 2024 in Abuja, which attracted over 3,000 participants from more than 30 countries.
The event fostered collaboration among governments, military officials, and industry leaders to boost Africa’s defence capabilities.
Other milestones included the 60th anniversary of DICON and the unveiling of a redesigned corporate logo.
A major development for Nigeria’s defence industry came with the DICON Act 2023, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 23 November 2023.
Dr. Matawalle described the legislation as a “game changer” that would strengthen Nigeria’s military-industrial complex, reduce dependence on foreign imports, and promote innovation through public-private partnerships.
“This Act provides the necessary framework for a self-sufficient military-industrial complex that will meet the evolving security challenges of our nation,” he said.
Dr. Matawalle also praised the newly inaugurated DICON Board, which he chairs, for its efforts to reposition the corporation for greater productivity.
He reiterated DICON’s vital role in advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at ensuring national security, economic prosperity, and technological advancement.
Expressing gratitude to DICON’s leadership and workforce, the minister described the corporation as “the backbone of Nigeria’s security and industrial resilience.”
“Your hard work and commitment inspire confidence in our ability to build a stronger, self-sufficient nation. Together, we will drive the future of Nigeria’s defence industry,” he said .