Nigeria is accelerating a major shift toward producing its own military weapons and equipment, as Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, moves to reduce the country’s long-standing dependence on foreign arms suppliers.
During a high-level visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory in Kakuri, Kaduna, the CDS declared that local defence production is now a top strategic priority, signaling a decisive push to strengthen national security through homegrown innovation and manufacturing.
“This is about building a self-reliant, technologically advanced military,” Oluyede said, as he inspected key production and research facilities and received briefings on ongoing projects aimed at boosting Nigeria’s defence capacity.
According to a statement issued by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on July 31, 2026, the visit forms part of ongoing efforts by Defence Headquarters to reposition DICON as a world-class defence manufacturing institution.
The Director-General of DICON, Major General BI Alaya, briefed the CDS on the corporation’s current production capabilities, expansion plans and ongoing projects. Oluyede toured key facilities, including production lines and research units, where locally developed defence products were showcased.
He commended the management and workforce of DICON for their commitment to advancing indigenous defence technology, noting that increased local production would enhance operational readiness, reduce reliance on imported military hardware and conserve foreign exchange.
The CDS stressed that strengthening local defence manufacturing is critical to ensuring sustainable logistics support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly in the face of evolving security challenges.
He reaffirmed Defence Headquarters’ commitment to supporting DICON’s transformation through innovation, research and capacity development, emphasizing that indigenous production remains central to Nigeria’s defence industrialisation goals.
Senior military officials, including the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General OT Olatoye, and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General ASM Wase, accompanied the CDS on the visit.
The development underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on building a resilient and self-sufficient military through local production and technological advancement.
