The Citizens Network for National Defence and Development (CN2D) has commended the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for leading efforts to transform Nigeria from a consumer of defence equipment to a producer, leveraging local capacity, talent, and resources.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CN2D praised the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Steel Development, which formalised the long-awaited partnership between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.
According to the group, the collaboration represents a “bold and visionary move” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reflecting the government’s commitment to self-reliance, innovation, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“For too long, Nigeria has depended on foreign nations for essential defence equipment, yet we have all it takes—the raw materials, the engineering expertise, and the human capital—to manufacture these hardware locally,” said CN2D president, Dr Moses Akinlabi Adeyemi.
“Matawalle’s leadership demonstrates that with strategic planning and inter-ministerial collaboration, Nigeria can secure its defence needs without compromising on quality or reliability.”
The group highlighted the significance of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, describing it as a long-dormant national asset now being repositioned to support military production and industrial growth.
“The integration of local steel production with defence manufacturing is a historic milestone. It allows us to produce helmets, vests, bullets, rifles, and other critical military hardware at home, creating opportunities for skilled jobs, technological innovation, and industrial expansion,” Adeyemi added.
CN2D further lauded the establishment of a Military-Industrial Complex on a portion of the Ajaokuta site, noting that it will bolster the nation’s technological capabilities while reducing reliance on imports.
“This initiative represents a turning point in Nigeria’s defence and industrial sectors. By mobilising domestic resources, we are not only enhancing national security but also building an industrial ecosystem that can drive economic growth and innovation for decades to come,” the statement reads.
The group also urged the Federal Government to sustain and expand such initiatives.
“We call on policymakers, engineers, and civil society to fully support the development of Nigeria’s defence industrial base. Matawalle’s leadership and the collaboration between the Ministries of Defence and Steel demonstrate what can be achieved when vision meets action. The time is now to ensure Nigeria’s security apparatus is self-sufficient, technologically advanced, and resilient,” Adeyemi declared.
CN2D concluded by emphasising the broader implications of local defence production for national development.
The group believes consistent investment in indigenous capacity will secure Nigeria’s position as a credible defence producer on the continent while reinforcing economic sovereignty.