DICON-D7G to start production of armored vehicles, anti-drone systems to boost Nigeria’s defence

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G, known as DICON-D7G, plans to set up local production lines for armored vehicles, anti-drone systems, and other specialized military equipment as part of efforts to establish a self-reliant defense industrial base.
This initiative is driven through a partnership between DICON-D7G and Eagles International for Defense Systems. Officials say the collaboration will improve technology transfer, increase domestic manufacturing capacity, create jobs, and decrease Nigeria’s reliance on imported defense equipment.
As part of the arrangement, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, led a two-day inspection tour of factories and military production facilities in Cairo with a delegation to assess equipment and systems for Nigeria’s expanding defense manufacturing goals.
Mr. Osman Chennar, CEO of DICON-D7G, said the partnership is expected to employ over 200 workers and offer opportunities for around 100 retired military personnel.
“The team assessed equipment and production systems intended to support Nigeria’s expanding defense manufacturing objectives,” he said.
Chennar explained that the agreement will establish production lines capable of transferring advanced military technologies to Nigeria.
He said this will position Nigeria to manufacture a wider range of equipment for its armed forces and potentially supply other African markets.
The targets under the partnership include the armored multi-purpose vehicle BR6, a modular multi-mission defense platform; armored personnel carrier cabins; 120mm manual mortar launcher cabins; and medical evacuation and ambulance cabins.
The portfolio also comprises MRAP-Buffalo U.10 and M.12 armored vehicles, MRAP-Buffalo F-4, Rhino Guard GXR anti-drone and RPG-protected vehicles, APC Moon PT6, GXR Phantom light vehicle, and BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
The expansion aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to enhance local defense production. The Nigerian Army has already started receiving locally made armored vehicles.
Beyond vehicles and weapons, DICON-D7G is developing a dedicated military jetty in Lagos to improve logistics for local defense manufacturing. This facility will facilitate the movement of raw materials, components, and finished military equipment.
Chennar stated the jetty, expected to be operational in the next two to three months, will serve as a strategic center for the supply and distribution of military equipment within Nigeria and across Africa.
“The Military Jetty in Lagos will provide employment to over 200 retired military personnel and more than 1,000 civilians when the project is operational,” he said.
He noted that the implications of this strategy extend beyond procurement.
“Increased local production could reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, keep defense spending within the domestic economy, develop specialized technical skills, and build an industrial base capable of supporting the armed forces during extended security operations,” Chennar explained.
He added that the DICON-D7G/Eagles partnership is positioned not just as an equipment supply arrangement, but as part of a larger effort to create a sustainable Nigerian defense manufacturing ecosystem, one capable of designing, assembling, and producing the platforms needed by the military while eventually serving broader African markets.
This development occurs as the Federal Government doubles down on efforts to strengthen national security through local content and industrial capacity in the defense sector.