Nigeria is capable of producing military hardware and armaments  to enhance not only its defence capabilities but also that of Africa.

The Director General (D-G), Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Maj.-Gen. Aniette Edet made this known on Wednesday in Abuja, at the 60th anniversary celebration of DICON and the maiden African Defence Industries Conference (ADIC).

“We are building a future where we continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing the defence capabilities not just of Nigeria, but of Africa and beyond.

“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and collaboration to ensure our collective security and prosperity,”  he ssaid

Over the years, he said, DICON has evolved significantly, adapting to dynamic landscapes of military technology and global defence trends.

The theme the celebration is “Future Frontiers in Africa’s Defence Technology”.

“The theme challenges us to reflect on the collective journey, to innovate, and to strengthen the ties that bind us in our common pursuit of building a DICON that would guarantee self-sufficiency in the equipment needs of our Armed Forces, and other security agencies in Nigeria,” he said.

He also said that in the early years, the Corporation’s focus was predominantly on the production of small arms and ammunition, as well as meeting the critical needs of the nation’s military and other security agencies.

“However, as the threats facing our nation and region became more complex and contemporary, so too has the interpretation of our mandate.

“In the 21st century, our projects have become more diverse, encompassing not only military products but also ventures into civilian applications that leverage our technological capabilities,” he said.

Edet explained that DICON, was established in August 1964, out of a visionary mandate to support and enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“Our founding mission were clear to ensure Nigeria’s self-reliance in the provision of essential military hardware and armaments.

“This was not just a strategic move for defence purposes, but a bold step towards fostering technological advancement and industrial development within Nigeria,” he added.

Edet noted that today DICON had a lot to celebrate, in spite of the many challenges it has faced over the years.

Be said:”we must celebrate and salute the vision of DICON’s founding fathers who thought it right to establish such a strategic national asset in 1964.

“We must celebrate the mandate of achieving self-reliance and self-sufficiency, and all DICON has done over the years to achieve this.

“We celebrate the contributions of DICON to Nigeria’s peace and security, right from the civil war 1967-1970, and COVID era.

“We celebrate the great men and women, serving and retired, dead or alive who have worked in different capacities to keep DICON operational, especially former Board Chairmen and members, and former DGs (many of whom are here).

“We celebrate the DICON Act 2023, signed by Mr President.

“This legislative milestone is transformative for both our organisation and the broader Nigerian defence sector, providing a fortified legal and operational framework that enhances our capabilities and strategic outreach.

“We celebrate strategic partnerships, which usher in a new dawn of networking, innovation and technology for DICON.”

He noted that though the last 60 years of DICON had not taken the corporation to where it deserved to be, the new corporate’s strategic road ma would create new value for all stakeholders and ensure the growth of Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex, with DICON at its centre. .(NAN)