The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru 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 self reliant in manufacturing of Military equipments and hardwares.
The Minister stated this while on a one-day working visit to DICON industrial complex in Kaduna, North West Nigeria, as contained in a statement by the Director Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike.
The Minister, who was conducted round DICON facilities by the Director-General of DICON, 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.
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Badaru expressed satisfaction with the level of work done on the factories visited and said when the works are completed, Nigeria can be a hub of defence equipment production nations.
“I am happy that many companies are showing interest in investing in the production of Military equipments 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 said.
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 equipments, which included bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, guard booths and assembly of light Armoured Assault Vehicles.
The Director General of DICON, Major General Aniedi Effiong Edet appreciated President Bola Tinubu for signing the DICON bill into law and the support to Ministers of Defence.
He said the new law would stop importation as all Nigeria needs would be produced locally.
He stressed 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.
