From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Nigeria is intensifying efforts to strengthen its indigenous defence manufacturing capacity, with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON-D7G) advancing plans to establish local production lines for armoured vehicles, anti-drone systems and other specialised military equipment.
The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Sokoto.
According to Chennar, the initiative is being implemented through a partnership between DICON-D7G and Eagles International for Defence Systems, with the objective of promoting technology transfer, expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and creating employment opportunities.
He said the partnership would also help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported defence equipment and strengthen the country’s ability to meet the operational requirements of its armed forces.
Nigeria Inspects Defence Production Facilities in Egypt
As part of the collaboration, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and his delegation undertook a two-day inspection tour of factories and military production facilities in Cairo, Egypt.
Chennar said the delegation assessed various equipment and production systems that could support Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing ambitions.
He explained that the partnership is expected to create employment for more than 200 workers, while also providing opportunities for about 100 retired military personnel.
According to him, the planned production lines will facilitate the transfer of advanced defence technologies to Nigeria and expand the country’s capacity to manufacture a wider range of military equipment.
He added that increased production could eventually position Nigeria to supply defence equipment to other African countries.
Armoured Vehicles, Anti-Drone Systems Targeted
The platforms identified under the partnership include the Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle BR6, a modular multi-mission defence platform; an Armoured Personnel Carrier cabin; a 120mm manual mortar launcher cabin; and medical evacuation and ambulance cabins.
Other platforms in the proposed portfolio include the MRAP-Buffalo U.10 and M.12 armoured vehicles, MRAP-Buffalo F-4, Rhino Guard GXR anti-drone and RPG-protected vehicle, APC Moon PT6, GXR Phantom light vehicle and BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to develop indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The Nigerian Army has also begun receiving locally manufactured armoured vehicles as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic defence production.
DICON-D7G Plans Military Jetty in Lagos
Chennar further disclosed that DICON-D7G is planning the development of a dedicated military jetty in Lagos to strengthen the logistics chain supporting local defence production.
He said the facility would facilitate the movement of raw materials, components and finished military equipment, while serving as a strategic hub for the supply and distribution of defence equipment within Nigeria and potentially across Africa.
According to him, the project is expected to create employment opportunities for more than 200 retired military personnel and over 1,000 civilians when fully operational.
He said the launch of the military jetty is expected to take place within the next two to three months.
Defence Manufacturing to Boost Nigerian Economy
The planned expansion of indigenous defence production is expected to have implications beyond military procurement.
Increased local manufacturing could help retain defence spending within the Nigerian economy, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, develop specialised technical skills and strengthen the industrial base required to sustain the armed forces during prolonged security operations.
Chennar said the DICON-D7G and Eagles International partnership should therefore be viewed as more than an equipment supply arrangement.
He described it as part of a broader strategy to establish a sustainable Nigerian defence manufacturing ecosystem capable of designing, assembling and producing equipment required by the armed forces, with the potential to serve wider African markets.
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