The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON-D7G) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture, pledging deeper collaboration with government institutions, private sector partners, and global allies in 2026.
The pledge was contained in an end-of-year felicitation message issued on Monday by the Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr. Osman Chennar, as the organisation reviewed its operations in 2025 and outlined strategic priorities for the year ahead.
Chennar expressed appreciation to stakeholders, partners, and the general public for their sustained trust and cooperation, describing the outgoing year as a defining period in the pursuit of national security and sustainable development.
“As we draw the curtain on another defining year, we extend our profound gratitude to our esteemed stakeholders, partners, and the general public for their unwavering trust, collaboration, and shared belief in our collective mission,” he said.
Reaffirming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the DICON-D7G chief said the policy framework continues to provide purposeful leadership, inspire national resilience, and drive strategic transformation across critical sectors.
“We proudly reaffirm our resolute support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places security, stability, and sustainable development at the heart of nation-building. At DICON-D7G, we remain deeply committed to national service and fully aligned with this vision,” Chennar stated.
Looking ahead to 2026, he said the organisation would enter the New Year with renewed confidence and determination, noting that fresh opportunities would be explored to deepen innovation, strengthen partnerships, and deliver robust defence solutions.
According to him, DICON-D7G will continue to work closely with relevant government agencies, private sector players, and international partners to safeguard national interests and contribute meaningfully to a safer and stronger Nigeria.
He assured the Federal Government, stakeholders, and the general public that 2026 would be marked by impactful growth, strategic expansion, and purposeful engagement within the defence and security ecosystem.
“Together, we will continue to build trust, enhance capacity and champion initiatives that promote peace, security and sustainable national development,” he added.
DICON-D7G is a strategic defence manufacturing and services partnership operating under the framework of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, with a mandate to promote local defence production, technology transfer, and capacity building.
The partnership plays a key role in ongoing efforts to deepen Nigeria’s defence industrial base and reduce reliance on foreign military procurement.
The Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria ((DICON), Major General Babatunde Alaya has said that DICON, in collaboration with SPARTA, would soon commence the production of gunpowder, one of the major components of ammunition production.
Maj.-Gen Alaya revealed this during a press conference on the forthcoming Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), organised by DMG Event in partnership with DICON.
He said DICON is already capable of producing 30 million rounds of ammunition annually.
The DICON boss said, “Before now we import some gunpowder, but we have signed a memorandum of understanding with one of our international partners, and in about eight months’ time, we will start producing gunpowder in Nigeria.
“In addition to that, we have also signed a memorandum of understanding with another indigenous company to start producing marine-shaped charges for marine exploration.
“Additionally, we have some partner companies that are coming on board to produce ammunition, weapons and other equipment. For instance, we are already assembling completely knocked-down parts for weapons in partnership with G7G.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with other partners who are already producing the machinery and equipment.
“Additionally, we have some indigenous companies who are already producing Mine-resistant-ambush-protected vehicles, and other personnel carriers such as Proforce, amongst others.”
Speaking on the forthcoming AFRIDEX, the DICON boss said the event represents a landmark initiative designed to serve as a global platform for defense, security, and technology stakeholders to provide excellent ideas and to suggest cutting-edge innovations.
According to him, the event is poised to become Africa’s premier defense and security exhibition, reflecting Nigeria’s growing influence as a hub for industrial innovation, strategic cooperation, and global security collaboration.
He said, “The exhibition will attract participants from across Africa, Europe, and Asia, including leading defense manufacturers, policymakers, security experts, and technocrats from the advanced industries. Over the four days, participants will engage in strategic forum, high-level discussions, program demonstrations, and exhibitions featuring the latest technologies in land, air, maritime, and sabotage defense systems.
“The event will serve as a meeting point for government agencies, armed forces, research institutions, and private investors, providing a vital ground for public-private partnership and cross-continental cooperation.”
President of DMG event, Christopher Hudson, said Nigeria is hosting the event not only because the country is Africa’s largest economy, but also a regional leader in defense capabilities, industrial ambition and security cooperation across the continent.
“Defense investment and capability development are accelerating at a remarkable pace, I think, African nations and as a continent, allocated about $52 billion and that is projecting to increase an expanding program, maritime, cyber and space domains.
“These efforts are driving modernization, strengthening Corporation and opening opportunities for industrial collaboration. It’s within that context that we are creating the African international Defense Exhibition,” he said.
Hudson said that the four days, which begin next year, will attract 30,000 attendees from over 100 companies, and over 500 exhibition companies.
“It will offer access to global technologies, sovereign capability partners and regional solutions aligned with Africa’s operational realities,” he said.
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawale, said the event presents an opportunity to demonstrate our readiness to lead Africa’s industrial defense; and it aligns perfectly with the federal government’s vision, and agendas, especially the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
The incident, which occurred around 10 am at the corporation’s ordnance disposal pit in Kurmin Gwari area of Kaduna metropolis, was linked to expired raw materials used in arms production.
Residents said the deafening blast shook buildings and sent panic across the neighbourhood. “I heard a very big blast, it shook the surrounding buildings. People were running, thinking it was a bomb explosion,” a resident told our correspondent.
The victims, on weekend duty, were initially rushed to St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, before being evacuated by military ambulance to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital.
An eyewitness said the explosion involved primer powder and other volatile substances. “It killed a military officer on the spot and injured four civilian staff, who are in critical condition,” he recounted.
When our correspondent visited St. Gerard Hospital shortly after the blast, sympathisers, relatives and DICON staff were seen trooping in, some in tears.
Confirming the incident, DICON’s Public Relations Officer, Maria Sambo, said the explosion occurred during the disposal of expired ordnance.
According to her: “Some old storage bunkers used to store raw materials contained several expired items, including Ammonium Nitrate, primer caps and propellants. Since July, efforts had been on to safely destroy them, and most had already been disposed of. Unfortunately, an accident occurred while specialists were concluding the disposal of the remaining materials.”
She added that the injured staff were receiving treatment at the 44 Army Reference Hospital, while the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the mortuary.
“While commiserating with staff, families and friends of the deceased and wishing the injured a quick recovery, DICON assures the public that the situation is under control and there is no cause for panic. The neighbouring community can go about their normal activities as the remaining materials have been made safe,” the statement read.
The management also disclosed that a Board of Inquiry has been constituted to determine the immediate cause of the blast.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Consulting and Supply International (CSI) Limited to establish a modern ammunition production plant in Nigeria.
CSI, headquartered in Nigeria, is a leading distributor of military, law enforcement and security equipment, supplying arms, ammunition, tactical gear, body armour, vehicles and other security solutions.
The agreement is part of efforts to strengthen indigenous defence production and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, DICON Director-General, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, said the partnership was in line with the new DICON Act signed by President Bola Tinubu in November 2023, which has been attracting both local and foreign investors to the sector.
He explained that the collaboration with CSI would drive the establishment of a Military Industrial Complex (MIC) designed to achieve self-sufficiency in military hardware production and promote exports.
General Alaya added that the initiative also underscores DICON’s commitment to technology transfer and local capacity building, while appreciating the President, Defence Ministers, the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for their support.
On his part, CSI’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Fadi Bashoun, said the company would set up a state-of-the-art production facility within the DICON complex to manufacture ammunition and other advanced defence systems tailored to the needs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and security agencies.
He maintained that the partnership would not only boost the country’s defence capacity but also position Nigeria as a hub for modern military production in Africa.
The Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya has said the country will soon be self-sufficient in the local manufacturing of arms and ammunition.
Alaya spoke yesterday at DICON headquarters in Kaduna at the signing of a joint venture agreement with SP Offshore Nigeria Limited to locally manufacture military hardware, including weapons, ammunition, fast assault craft, drones, and security vehicles.
The DICON boss described the agreement as a watershed that would advance the country’s long-held aspiration to establish a robust military-industrial complex.
“This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SP Offshore takes DICON to another level. We are now partnering with another Nigerian company to produce ammunition, weapons and even establish a jetty in Lagos where we can manufacture fast assault craft, security vehicles and other platforms critical to our national security,” he said.
Alaya expressed the confidence that within the next year, the partnership would birth the local production of ammunition, with plans to scale up to full weapons manufacturing afterwards.
“This is a great day for DICON because this joint venture project will fast-track our indigenous capacity and help us meet the needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies,” he added.
Alaya praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the DICON Act 2023, which provides the legal framework that enables the corporation to enter such strategic partnerships.
He also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs for backing the corporation’s new trajectory.
The Chief Executive Officer of SP Offshore Nigeria Limited, Mr. Obafemi Adekunle, said the partnership would bring billions of dollars in investments into Nigeria’s defence sector, with technology transfer and capacity building as major highlights.
Adekunle stressed that modern warfare would increasingly hinge on technological superiority, adding: “The next wars won’t just be fought with guns and bullets, but through technological warfare.
“What we are offering the Nigerian military is deterrence capability, the kind that puts fear into the enemies of the state and compels them to rethink any attempt to destabilise our country.”
Nigeria’s push for self-reliance in arms and ammunition production received a significant boost on Wednesday as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) signed a joint venture agreement with SP Offshore Nigeria Limited.
The partnership will pave the way for the local manufacturing of military hardware, including weapons, ammunition, fast assault craft, drones, and security vehicles.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at DICON headquarters in Kaduna, the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, described the agreement as a landmark development in Nigeria’s drive to establish a robust military industrial complex.
“This memorandum of understanding with SP Offshore takes DICON to another level,” Alaya said. “We are now partnering with another Nigerian company to produce ammunition, weapons, and establish a jetty in Lagos where we can manufacture fast assault craft, security vehicles, and other platforms critical to our national security.”
He revealed that local production of ammunition would commence within a year, with plans to expand to full weapons manufacturing shortly afterward.
Alaya emphasized that the venture would accelerate indigenous capacity and enable DICON to meet the growing needs of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security agencies.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the DICON Act 2023, which provided the legal framework for such strategic partnerships. Alaya extended appreciation to the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs for their unwavering support.
In his remarks, SP Offshore’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Obafemi Adekunle, said the collaboration would attract billions of dollars in investment to Nigeria’s defence sector, with technology transfer and capacity building as key benefits of the partnership.
Adekunle stressed that modern warfare would increasingly hinge on technological superiority, adding that, “The next wars won’t just be fought with guns and bullets, but through technological warfare,” he said. “What we are offering the Nigerian military is deterrence capability the kind that puts fear into the enemies of the state and compels them to rethink any attempt to destabilize our country.”
He hinted that some of the cutting-edge platforms under the partnership could not yet be disclosed for strategic reasons. “A lot of things are coming, but we won’t reveal everything here because you don’t show your entire hand to adversaries. Let them discover it themselves over time.”
Adekunle also paid tribute to the DG DICON for his “record-speed administrative acumen,” and lauded the commitment of President Tinubu as well as lawmakers who championed the enabling legislation. “This alliance is more than a contract. It is a beacon of our collective strength, an unbreakable promise to safeguard Nigeria,” he said.
The joint venture is expected to not only satisfy Nigeria’s local defence requirements but also create excess capacity that could see the country exporting military equipment to other nations in the near future.
With the new deal, stakeholders say Nigeria is on course to drastically reduce dependence on foreign arms supplies, conserve foreign exchange and build critical local competencies in defence manufacturing.
Nigeria’s quest for local production of high-end security technology has received a major boost, as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) sealed a landmark partnership with Homeland Protectors and Supplies Limited, a Saudi Arabia-based security company, to begin local manufacturing of drones, satellite systems, and advanced communication equipment.
The agreement, signed at DICON headquarters in Kaduna, is expected to see Homeland Protectors bring in production lines and technology to Nigeria, to manufacture satellite systems, laser equipment, border security drones and sophisticated communications solutions.
Director General of DICON, Maj. General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, shortly after signing the MoU, described the deal as a “major milestone” in Nigeria’s drive for defence self-sufficiency.
He said the collaboration would not only meet local demands but also position Nigeria as an exporter of security technology to other African countries.
According to him: “Today is another milestone for DICON. What Homeland Protectors is bringing on board is expertise and experience in the field of satellite, laser systems, communications and border security drones.
“The agreement we have just signed is for them to bring the production line to Nigeria and start producing here, so we can satisfy the defence industry requirements, other security agencies and export the excess capacity to other African countries.”
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called his “constant support and firm belief in DICON,” especially for signing the DICON Act 2023, which has now paved the way for international partnerships of this magnitude.
Alaya also thanked the Minister of Defence and Minister of State for Defence for their unwavering backing, stressing that their support made the joint venture possible.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Homeland Protectors and Supplies, Mr. Ali Hussain A Aldayhani, who led the Saudi delegation to Nigeria, hailed the partnership as a game-changer for Nigeria’s security architecture.
“I am in support of this amazing job today in collaboration with Homeland and DICON. This is in support of the Nigerian President and the Minister of Defence to bring security satellite communication technology to Nigeria,” he said.
He disclosed that the venture was designed not only to meet Nigeria’s internal needs but to also open up export opportunities to other markets, stressing: “We are going to have a huge joint venture and also for export outside Nigeria with regard to technology communication.”
The Homeland CEO thanked the DICON Director General for what he called “the support of the huge success in signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).”
He assured that this would not be the last of such engagements, promising more frequent visits and deeper collaborations in the near future.
With this move, Nigeria joins a select group of countries on the continent working to domesticate critical security manufacturing, a step expected to save foreign exchange, create jobs and bolster national security.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has reaffirmed its commitment to a fair promotion policy, dismissing allegations that staff involved in protests were excluded from the 2024 promotion exercise.
It said that it operates in accordance with the Public Service Regulations, ensuring transparency and equity in its processes.
The DICON spoke through the Deputy Director Information and Media, Major Haruna Sani, in a statement.
The Nation recalled that civilian staff of DICON in April 23, staged a protest over non-payment of salary arrears, allowances, exclusion from
Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and other unresolved issues. They also accused the Director-General (DG) of tribalism.
However, the DICON’s spokesman described the allegations as false and a “calculated attempt by malefactors to tarnish the good reputation of DICON and its leadership.”
Sani said: “Disciplinary and promotion processes within DICON are governed by a standing Senior and Junior Staff Committees composed exclusively of civilians, with no members representing the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The role of the Director-General and DICON management is often to approve the recommendations made by these committees, based on their objective assessments and considerations.
“Additionally, it is important to clarify that enrollment in the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPS) falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, not DICON, as the Federal Government of Nigeria operates both the IPPIS and GIFMIS systems for payment of civil servants’ allowances across the entire country.
“The current DG did not invent these existing systems on assumption of office, but has ensured that allowances due to DICON staff are paid. Thus, any incessant assertions that staff members have not been enrolled into the IPPS reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the system’s operations and responsibilities.”
On the issue promotion, he explained that 320 eligible staff were cleared to participate in the promotion exercise, while 46 were excluded having been previously subjected to disciplinary actions due to persistent absenteeism and violations of the DICON Act 2023.
Concerning the outstanding 2019 minimum wage arrears and 2022/2023 promotion arrears, the DICON emphasized that these obligations fall under the purview of the Federal Government, adding that DICON has “duly submitted all requisite documents to the relevant authorities for review and approval.”
He debunked the allegation of tribalism leveled at the DG, explaining all the DG’s personal staff and aides were cut across different states, excluding the state he hails from.
Sani said: “Currently, all the DG’s personal staff and aides hail from various states across Nigeria, including Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Plateau, with none from Akwa Ibom State. The DG’s last four Military Assistants since 2021 have been from Borno, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger and currently Oyo State.
“This diverse representation indicates a commitment to competence, inclusivity and fairness for which the DG DICON is widely known.”
Last week, the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Convention Center in Abuja was abuzz with activity as the Africa Defence Industries Conference (ADIC) took center stage. This landmark event, themed “Future Frontiers in Africa’s Defence Technology,” was more than just a celebration—it was a declaration of Africa’s growing influence in the global defense arena.
DICON at 60: A Legacy of Indigenous Excellence
The conference marked the 60th anniversary of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), a state-owned enterprise that has been at the forefront of developing advanced defense equipment and technology for decades. DICON’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of indigenous innovation is nothing short of inspiring. For six decades, DICON has not only contributed to national security but has also significantly shaped the defense landscape across the African continent.
With a strong commitment to producing cutting-edge military technology, DICON has been a driving force behind the continent’s defense capabilities. The corporation’s achievements are a testament to its strategic vision and ongoing innovation, reinforcing its pivotal role in safeguarding and advancing Africa’s defense interests.
A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration
The 60th-anniversary celebration was more than a commemoration; it was a showcase of DICON’s strategic vision and ongoing innovations. The event featured a series of activities, including thought-provoking panel discussions, prestigious exhibitions, and the unveiling of DICON’s new strategic direction.
One of the highlights of the conference was the Defence Innovation Challenge, with Senator Ned Nwoko as the chief investor.
Sen. Ned Nwoko with Major General ANIEDI EDET.
This challenge spotlighted cutting-edge defense technologies and solutions developed within Nigeria, reflecting DICON’s dedication to fostering local expertise and inclusivity. The challenge was a clear indication that the future of Africa’s defense technology lies in the hands of its innovators.
Engaging Key Stakeholders in Africa’s Defense Future
Cross section of Dignitaries
The Africa Defence Industries Conference brought together a host of notable dignitaries, including the representative of Nigeria’s President, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the Director General of DICON, Major General AE Edet.
These key stakeholders, along with other ministers, service chiefs, and international partners, engaged in discussions that underscored the importance of collaboration in driving forward the future of defense technology in Africa. The event was not just a celebration of past achievements but also a call to action for the future.
Panel Discussions: Shaping the Future of African Defense
The conference featured several in-depth panel discussions that addressed crucial aspects of Africa’s defense industry, providing a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing the sector:
AfCFTA and the Military Industrial Complex
A panel moderated by Col Felix Alaita (rtd), CEO of Kryterion Limited, explored the intersections between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the military-industrial complex in Africa. Major General Aniedi E Edet, Director General of DICON, led the discussion on how DICON’s strategies and innovations can align with and benefit from the AfCFTA framework.
Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of AfCFTA Secretariat, provided insights into the potential impact of AfCFTA on the defense industry, highlighting opportunities for cross-border collaboration and market expansion. Olusegun Awolowo, Secretary of the National Action Committee on AfCFTA, discussed Nigeria’s strategies for leveraging the agreement to boost its defense sector.
Major General Engineer Mokhtar Abdel Latif, Chairman of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) in Egypt, shared valuable perspectives on regional cooperation in defense manufacturing. Amaka Yvonne Onyemenam, Senior Consultant at Africa Practice, offered strategic insights on policy harmonization across African nations to create a more integrated defense industry ecosystem.
The panel emphasized the need for standardization of military equipment and technologies across African nations, which could lead to more efficient procurement processes and interoperability among African armed forces. They also discussed the potential for AfCFTA to facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing in the defense sector, ultimately strengthening Africa’s collective security capabilities.
Defense Economics: Unlocking Investment Potential
Adeola Akinrinmade, Executive Director of Finance at Petralon Energy, moderated a pivotal panel on defense economics. The discussion focused on strategies to unlock investment potential and secure funding for the military-industrial complex.
Veronica Bolton Smith from Third Way Capital provided insights into alternative financing models for defense projects, emphasizing the role of private equity and venture capital in driving innovation. Tunde Hassan-Odukale, CEO of Leadway Assurance, explored the potential of insurance and risk management solutions tailored for the defense industry.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Director of ACCESS Bank, discussed the banking sector’s role in financing defense initiatives and the importance of creating specialized financial products for the industry. The panel collectively emphasized the need for a robust ecosystem of investors, financial institutions, and government support to fuel the growth of Africa’s defense sector.
Key points of discussion included:
The importance of public-private partnerships in funding large-scale defense projects
Strategies for de-risking investments in the defense sector to attract more private capital
The potential for creating a dedicated defense industry investment fund to pool resources and spread risk
The role of export credit agencies in supporting the international expansion of African defense companies
Overcoming Africa’s Brain Drain
Addressing the critical issue of brain drain, a panel moderated by Ajuma Ataguba, Managing Director of Founder Institute, explored strategies to attract and retain talented professionals from the African diaspora.
Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, outlined government initiatives aimed at creating a conducive environment for returnees and leveraging diaspora expertise. Dr. Femi Adeluyi, National Coordinator of the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), shared insights on programs designed to facilitate knowledge transfer between diaspora professionals and local institutions.
Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs Foundation, discussed the role of innovation hubs in creating opportunities for talented individuals within Africa. Frederick Kevbe Akpoghene, CEO/Founder of JeGO, and Charles Emembolu, Founder of Dexude, shared their experiences as diaspora returnees who have successfully established businesses in Africa.
The panel highlighted several key strategies for talent retention and attraction:
Creating competitive remuneration packages and career advancement opportunities in the defense sector
Establishing mentorship programs that connect diaspora professionals with local talent
Developing world-class research facilities and innovation centers to provide cutting-edge work environments
Implementing policies that ease the transition for returning professionals, including tax incentives and streamlined bureaucratic processes
Fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to encourage talented individuals to build their careers in Africa
The Next Wave of Defence Innovation: AI and Autonomous Systems
Lavina Ramkissoon, CEO of HuDaTa and AI expert, led a forward-looking panel on cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems within the defense sector.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, presented on Nigeria’s efforts to develop indigenous AI capabilities for defense applications. Frederick Kevbe Akpoghene, CEO/Founder of JeGO, shared insights on the potential of autonomous drones in enhancing surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Charles Emembolu, Founder of Dexude and Director of Partnerships at Innovation Support Network, discussed the importance of creating a robust ecosystem for AI and robotics development in Africa’s defense sector.
The panel explored several critical areas:
The potential applications of AI in military decision-making processes and predictive analytics for threat assessment
Ethical considerations in the development and deployment of autonomous weapons systems
The need for specialized training programs to prepare military personnel for working alongside AI-powered systems
Strategies for ensuring human oversight and control in AI-driven defense operations
The potential for AI and autonomous systems to enhance logistical efficiency and reduce human risk in combat situations
Throughout these discussions, a common theme emerged: the need for Africa to take control of its defense narrative and capabilities. By fostering innovation, attracting investment, and nurturing talent, the continent can build a robust, self-reliant defense industry that not only ensures its security but also drives economic growth and technological advancement.
The Role of Strategic Partnerships in Defense Innovation
One of the central themes of the conference was the role of strategic partnerships in defense innovation. As emphasized by Col. Felix Alaita Rtd., CEO of Kryterion Limited, collaboration between local and international stakeholders is crucial for driving advancements in defense technology. Kryterion’s partnership with DICON is a prime example of how such collaborations can lead to groundbreaking innovations.
The specialized Defence Innovation Room at the exhibition provided attendees with a hands-on experience of the latest advancements in military armaments. This interactive showcase demonstrated the potential of Africa’s defense industry to compete on the global stage, provided that these strategic partnerships continue to thrive.
Looking Forward: DICON’s Vision for the Future
As DICON celebrated its 60-year legacy, the conference also set the stage for the future. The DG of DICON, Major General AE Edet, reflected on the corporation’s journey, stating that the anniversary is not just a celebration of past achievements but a bold vision for the future.
Major General ANIEDI EDET
DICON is poised to lead the charge in shaping Africa’s defense landscape for decades to come.
The insights and collaborations shared during the conference serve as a powerful reminder of the collective strength and potential driving the future of Africa’s defense industry. As we look forward, DICON remains steadfast in its mission to forge new frontiers and uphold its legacy as a pillar of excellence and innovation in defense technology.
A member of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, said Nigeria’s defence industry can drive economic growth if properly harnessed.
Nwoko said this at the closing ceremony of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) 60th Anniversary and Maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Nwoko, the Chief launcher of a book on DICON, noted that the defence sector is a global powerhouse with many countries relying on it as a key driver of their economies.
He said: “In Nigeria, we have the resources and the potential to achieve the same, but this requires considerable investment and active participation from the private sector. We cannot leave everything to the government.”
Nwoko emphasized the importance of local production and manufacturing in the defence sector, adding that “I firmly believe that Nigeria has the capacity and financial resources to make the defence industry as profitable as our oil, gas, and banking sectors.
“To achieve this, the government must play its part by identifying and supporting specialized companies through licensing and approval and promoting public awareness. With the right investments, we can create jobs, attract investors, and reduce our reliance on imports.”
