The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Oluyede, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the enhancement of indigenous defence production as part of measures to minimise reliance on imported military gear and create a self-reliant defence sector.
Gen Oluyede made the commitment during a strategic visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory (ORDFAC) in Kakuri, Kaduna where he inspected production and research facilities and reviewed the Corporation’s ongoing efforts to expand local manufacturing capacity.
The Defence Headquarters said the visit was a demonstration of the military’s reinvigorated drive to strengthen indigenous research, innovation and manufacturing of defence equipment needed to support ongoing security operations across the country.
The Director General, DICON, Major General B.I. Alaya, updated the CDS on the manufacturing capabilities of the Corporation, ongoing projects and future development plans.
Gen Oluyede later visited some important manufacturing sites, and appraised DICON’s drive to boost its capability in the production of military equipment and to offer sustainable logistics support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. History.
The CDS also visited the R&D facilities of DICON where the Corporation presented several indigenous goods created as part of its efforts to boost the defence industrial base of Nigeria.
The visit is coming at a time of increasing calls on Nigeria to lessen its dependence on foreign military equipment through the development of local defence industry and the use of local technologies to fulfil the operational needs of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Gen Oluyede complimented the management and staff of DICON for their dedication towards the growth of Nigeria’s local defence technology and industrial capacity.
He said the Federal Government’s increased focus on local defence manufacture was important to improve operational preparedness, reduce dependence on imported military hardware, save scarce foreign currencies and ensure sustainable logistics support for troops.
A stronger domestic defence sector would not only give the Armed Forces more reliable access to military hardware, but would also enable Nigeria to create indigenous answers to its developing security concerns, the CDS said. History
He reiterated the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to supporting the transformation of DICON into a world-class defence manufacturing institution that is capable of meeting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Strengthening local defence production continues to be a key focus in establishing a more robust, self-sufficient and technologically advanced force’, he said.
The visit of the CDS also underscored the increasing emphasis on the importance of research and development in Nigeria’s defence industrialisation program as the military leadership signalled increased backing for local innovation that might turn research into operational equipment.
The development is intended to enhance the partnership between military Headquarters and DICON as the government strives to construct a more sustainable military manufacturing ecosystem and decrease risks associated with dependency on external suppliers.
Gen Oluyede said the Armed Forces would continue to promote innovation and support domestic research and development projects that would contribute to Nigeria’s defence industrialisation aspirations. History
The tour was attended by the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General O.T. Olatoye, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General A.S.M. Wase and other senior military officers.
The engagement concluded with a renewed resolve to strengthen collaboration between the Armed Forces and DICON, with local defence manufacturing identified as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s strategy to enhance military readiness, save foreign exchange and achieve greater self-sufficiency in national defence.
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