Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, has said that the new Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) bill signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would stimulate the economy thereby making Nigeria to be self-reliant in the manufacturing of Military equipment and hardware.
The Minister, who paid a one-day working visit to DICON industrial complex in Kaduna, was conducted round the facilities by the Director-General, Major General Aniedi Effiong Edet, visited DICON Imperium Facility, DICON Primer Cap Factory in Kachia and the DICON Ordnance Factory, amongst others, in Kaduna State.
In a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, the Ministry of Defence Director of Information & Public Relations, Badaru said he was satisfied with the level of work done on the factories visited and said that when the works are completed in conjunction with DICON, Nigeria can now be a hub of defence equipment production.
According to the Defence Minister: “I am happy that many companies are showing interest in investing in the production of military equipment in Nigeria. And I can confidently say that when all the factories under DICON are commissioned soon, we will be able to produce all our defence needs locally. I can say, so far, so good.”
He commended Imperium DICON Complex, Proforce Nigeria Limited, EPAIL Ltd and a host of others for investing massively in local manufacturing of defence gadgets and equipment, which included bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, guard booths and assembly of light Armoured Assault Vehicles.
The Director General of DICON, Major General Edet thanked President Bola Ahmed Bola Tinubu for signing the DICON bill into law as well as the support from both Ministers of Defence, saying that the new law would stop importation as all Nigeria needed would be produced locally.
He said that with the level of partnership with other indigenous companies, Nigeria would soon become a heavy supplier of defence gadgets and equipment not only to other African Countries but to the world at large.
