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Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General O.O Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s commitment to strengthening local defence manufacturing during a strategic visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory in Kakuri, Kaduna.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to expand indigenous defence production, improve military self-reliance and reduce dependence on imported equipment.
During the tour, General Oluyede inspected key production and research facilities at the factory, where he received briefings on DICON’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future development plans from the Director General of DICON, Major General BI Alaya.
The CDS also visited the corporation’s Research and Development facilities, where several locally developed defence products were showcased. He commended DICON’s management and workforce for their efforts towards advancing Nigeria’s defence technology and strengthening the country’s industrial capacity.
General Oluyede said increased investment in domestic defence production was critical to improving operational readiness, reducing reliance on foreign military hardware, conserving foreign exchange and ensuring sustained logistics support for the Armed Forces.
He said the military leadership remained committed to supporting DICON’s transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the equipment needs of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“Strengthening local defence production remains a strategic priority in building a more resilient, self-sufficient and technologically advanced military,” the CDS said.
The visit comes as Nigeria continues to pursue greater capacity in defence industrialisation through local research, innovation and manufacturing.
The Defence Headquarters said the initiative aligns with broader efforts to encourage indigenous solutions, enhance military preparedness and develop a sustainable defence ecosystem within the country.
General Oluyede was accompanied during the visit by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General OT Olatoye; the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General ASM Wase; and other senior military officers.
