In a move aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has urged DICON-D7G Nigeria Limited to uphold the highest standards of quality, ethics, and sustainability in defence manufacturing.
Speaking on Thursday at the commissioning of the company’s new headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja, Matawalle described the venture as a vital element in Nigeria’s push for self-reliance in military hardware production.
“Today, we inaugurate an enterprise that is not merely a commercial undertaking, but a symbol of our collective resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture,” Matawalle said.
The joint venture between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and D7G Nigeria Limited is seen as a milestone in boosting local production, enhancing technological capacity, and fostering long-term defence-industrial partnerships.
According to a statement from his media aide, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the Minister noted that the partnership represents a strategic alliance aimed at equipping Nigeria and contributing to regional peace.
“This initiative will drive indigenous innovation, with a strong emphasis on research and development,” Matawalle added.
He said DICON-D7G’s ongoing projects include the setup of an arms assembly line in Kaduna and the establishment of a showroom in Asokoro.
” Weapons being assembled include NATO-standard 5.56mm rifles, various SMGs, sniper rifles, and civilian-grade arms.
“Ammunition production is also a key focus. Stockpiling is underway for millions of rounds across multiple calibres—ranging from 9mm to 12.7mm rounds—set for quarterly delivery to the Nigerian Armed Forces and regional allies.
“The initiative extends to heavy artillery and tactical equipment such as mortar bombs, rocket systems, grenades, UAVs, and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
“Plans are also in place for the construction of Nigeria’s first military jetty and the establishment of advanced electro-optics facilities.
“Additional facilities will support drone assembly, security intelligence training, ammunition production, and heavy vehicle maintenance.”
Matawalle expressed gratitude to stakeholders and affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s defence autonomy.
“We remain steadfast in our support for DICON and all its partners,” he said.
Top military leaders and government officials attended the commissioning, including Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal HB Abubakar.
Also present were lawmakers, representatives from paramilitary agencies, and other dignitaries.
The government believes the DICON-D7G venture is a critical step in addressing internal and external threats, while ensuring that Nigeria leads in the development of modern defence solutions.