The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has pledged that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) will successfully meet the demands of the Nigerian military and other security agencies.
Matawalle gave the assurance at the DICON’s end-of-year celebration and Director General’s productivity award ceremony in Kaduna.
He emphasised that the recent assent of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu had paved the way for the corporation to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
According to him, the Defence Ministry had given a lot of tasks to the DICON’s Director General, and that the DICON boss was equal to the task.
The Minister promised that within a limited time, they would come to celebrate the full production of arms within the country.
Matawalle said the Defence Ministry was trying to limit procurements outside the country.
“DICON is expected to reach its peak in military and paramilitary requirements particularly in the production of arms and ammunition,” he said.
He said that he earlier never believed that DICON could produce 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
“Today, DICON is able to produce so many rounds of ammunition and forward to the military. Our target is to produce 300 million rounds of ammunition,” he added.
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Earlier, the DICON’s boss, Major General Anaedi Edet, said the celebration and the award were to mark the successful conclusion of the corporation’s 2024 activities and production year.
He explained that DICON was established with the visionary mandate to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces by ensuring Nigeria’s self-reliance in essential military hardware.
Edet noted that the mandate was not just for defence, but a strategic move to foster technological advancement and industrial development within Nigeria.
He added that the corporation had resumed productive activities in spite of the numerous challenges and had inaugurated the new DICON board at the Ministry of Defence with the support of the Minister.
According to him, inspite of the recorded successes, he lamented that the corporation has continued to face significant challenges ranging from funding constraints, outdated equipment, skill gaps and the pressing need for staff training and certifications.
Edet maintained that DICON would remain unwavering in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate.
Highpoints of the event were traditional dances by various cultural groups and special presentations to staff who retired or were posted out, as a token of the corporation’s appreciation for their invaluable services and support.
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