DICON-D7G says it is targeting 7,000 jobs, foreign investment and expanded local production of military hardware as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence industrial capacity.

DICON-D7G’s CEO, Osman Chennar, disclosed this in a statement at the just-concluded Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos.

Mr Chennar said the initiative was designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported military equipment through local manufacturing, technology transfer and strategic international partnerships.

He said the organisation was targeting 2,000 employment opportunities for retired military personnel and 5,000 for civilians.

According to him, the retired personnel are expected to contribute their experience in training, engineering, logistics, administration and project management.

Mr Chennar said the initiative would also create opportunities for young Nigerians in manufacturing, engineering, information technology, research and other technical fields.

He said DICON-D7G was also pursuing the acquisition of about 40,000 square metres of land in Lagos for a world-class international exhibition centre. According to him, the proposed facility will host defence exhibitions, industrial trade fairs, technology showcases, conferences and investment forums.

He said the centre would give Nigerian manufacturers a platform to showcase indigenous products and connect with international investors and technology developers.

Mr Chennar said the organisation was also exploring partnerships with foreign manufacturers to facilitate technology transfer and strengthen local production capabilities. He cited its participation in an exhibition in Qatar as part of efforts to attract international investors and establish strategic industrial collaborations.

“Our engagement with international partners is designed to encourage technology transfer, attract investment and build the technical capacity required to strengthen Nigeria’s defence industry.

“Our production expansion agenda will cover tanks, armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles, boats and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is expected to complement existing local production of arms and ammunition and broaden Nigeria’s capacity to meet the equipment needs of its Armed Forces,” he said.

Mr Chennar said Nigeria had the human resources and technical expertise required to develop a viable defence manufacturing industry, but sustained investment and collaboration were essential.

Established in 1964, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) was created to build indigenous capacity for manufacturing military equipment and other defence-related materials.

However, Nigeria has continued to rely on foreign suppliers for substantial parts of its military hardware, specialised components and advanced technologies.

The DICON Amendment Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in November 2023, provides an expanded framework for strengthening indigenous defence production and private-sector participation.

Mr Chennar said DICON-D7G’s ambition was to support the transition from importing finished military products to developing the capacity to manufacture, maintain and sustain equipment locally.

He said successful implementation would conserve foreign exchange, create jobs, strengthen local engineering expertise and improve the military’s access to equipment and spare parts.

(NAN)