Nigeria is on the path to becoming a global leader in military equipment production, according to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Friday, General Musa expressed optimism about Nigeria’s progress in local defence manufacturing, citing recent developments and government support.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the military’s research and production arm, is at the forefront of this transformation. Established in 1964, DICON was tasked with producing small arms and ammunition for the Nigerian Armed Forces. However, over the decades, its operations slowed down, hampering Nigeria’s ability to sustain local defence production.
General Musa revealed that this trend is being reversed. “We used to assemble guns from DICON, but it stopped. That is being restored now,” he said. “We produce our own ammunition now, directly. For small calibres like 7.62mm and 9mm, we already manufacture them. We want to do the 5.6 and then move to higher calibres, from 12.7 and above.”
He attributed the renewed vigour to the recent signing of the DICON Bill, which aims to revitalise the corporation and attract investments. “Sometimes we gain traction and then it goes down,” he noted. “But now, with the signing of the DICON Bill, we are going to make sure it is sustainable. People are interested, people are coming in, and we are having a lot of partners going into it.”
Learning from Brazil
General Musa drew comparisons between Nigeria’s DICON and Brazil’s defence industry, highlighting how both were founded around the same time. “The funny thing is that the Nigerian DICON started 60 years ago, the same time as Brazil’s. Brazil is now producing unmanned aircraft and submarines. They have gone very far, and we want to achieve that,” he said.
Brazil’s advanced defence manufacturing has not only bolstered its military capabilities but also created a thriving export market. General Musa believes Nigeria can replicate this success.
Economic and Employment Benefits
The CDS underscored the economic advantages of producing military equipment locally. He pointed out that the initiative would generate employment for the youth and improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings. “When we produce locally, we can sell to neighbouring countries and raise funds for the military. This will also help create jobs for our youths,” he explained.
Nigeria’s reliance on imported military equipment has been a long-standing challenge, particularly during periods of international restrictions. The move to boost local production is seen as a strategic effort to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
Strengthening the Fight Against Terrorism
General Musa also addressed the military’s efforts to combat terrorism. On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja proscribed the Lakurawa sect, classifying it as a terrorist organisation. The CDS hailed the decision, noting that it provides the military with the legal backing needed to act decisively against the group.
“This classification has given us legal support to use the weapons we purchased against them,” he said. He also highlighted the challenges posed by restrictions on foreign-purchased weapons, such as the Super Tucano aircraft, which are limited to specific operational areas. The court’s ruling now permits broader use of such weapons in counter-terrorism operations.
Challenges and Road Ahead
Despite the optimism, the journey to self-reliance in military equipment production is not without challenges. DICON will need significant investment in research, technology, and skilled personnel to compete with established global players. General Musa acknowledged these hurdles but remained confident in Nigeria’s potential.
“People are interested, and we are having a lot of partners coming in. I can assure you that in a few years, Nigeria, too, will be a superpower in producing its own equipment,” he said.
Global Implications
Nigeria’s ambition to emerge as a military production superpower could have far-reaching implications for West Africa and beyond. Local production would not only strengthen Nigeria’s military capabilities but also position the country as a defence exporter, potentially supplying arms to neighbouring countries facing security challenges.
Experts believe that this initiative could enhance regional stability by providing affordable, high-quality military equipment to African nations. Furthermore, it aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of economic diversification and reducing dependence on oil exports.
