Defence ministry, NASENI sign MoU for ammunition production factory

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Ministry of Defence (MoD),

Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an ammunition production factory in Nigeria.

Speaking during the signing of the MoU, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, described the event as a milestone in the history of the ministry and the country at large.

He said this is necessary to leave a legacy for future generations that would make them proud of their country.

“I am proud to say that less than two years down, that promise is materialising.

“The military require only 200 million rounds of ammunition per annum, and if the needs of other security agencies were included, it would amount to at least 350 million.

“If the military and other security agencies purchase this ammunition from DICON, there won’t be pressure on the Federal Government to source foreign exchange to buy from foreign countries.

“There won’t be pressure on the Naira, as the Naira will be used to buy from DICON”.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of NASENI, Dr Khalil Halilu, described the signing of the MoU and JV as a milestone in achieving self-reliance in defence ammunition production.

Halilu emphasised the need to position partners to meet emerging security threats, adding that NASENI was at the forefront of promoting such partnerships.

“Our goal is to create a robust ecosystem to reduce dependence on foreign importation of ammunition,” he said.

On his part, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, said the MoU and JV would open new doors and avenues to Nigeria’s security architecture in our own hands.

He said the Ajaokuta Steel Company would provide the needed platform for the industrial complex.