Nigeria Inaugurates DICON Institute for Defence Production

The Defence Minister, Asma'u Halilu Matawalle, inaugurated the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Institute in Kaduna as part of the federal government's initiative to achieve self-reliance in defence production and strengthen Nigeria's military-industrial complex. During the inauguration, Matawalle emphasized that Nigeria has historically depended on foreign sources for critical defence capabilities, which has had negative consequences.

He stated that the establishment of the institute is a significant step towards enhancing the country's indigenous defence industrial base. Major General Babatunde Alaya, the Director General of DICON, noted that the inauguration represents the culmination of a vision to not only produce defence equipment but also to develop the necessary human capacity for Nigeria's military-industrial complex.

The institute will focus on training engineers, technologists, technicians, and other professionals in defence-related fields, establishing a formal academic pathway into Nigeria's defence industry. Alaya also mentioned that adequate funding and partnerships would be crucial for translating research and innovation into tangible products.