The Federal Government‘s renewed emphasis on local defence production is essential to improving operational readiness, reducing dependence on foreign military hardware, conserving foreign exchange, and ensuring sustainable logistics support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, stated this when he visited the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory (ORDFAC), Kakuri, Kaduna, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous defence production capacity and enhance self-reliance in military equipment production.

During the the visit, the CDS undertook a comprehensive tour of the Corporation’s production and research facilities, and was briefed on DICON’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future development plans by the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. B.I. Alaya.

Oluyede inspected key production facilities and received updates on the Corporation’s efforts to expand local defence manufacturing and improve operational support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He also visited DICON’s Research and Development facilities, where several indigenous products were showcased.

The CDS reaffirmed Defence Headquarters’ unwavering commitment to supporting DICON’s transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He stressed that strengthening local defence production remains a strategic priority in building a more resilient, self-sufficient and technologically advanced military.

Oluyede commended the management and workforce of DICON for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s indigenous defence technology and manufacturing capabilities. He was accompanied by the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj.-Gen. O.T. Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. A.M. Wase, and other senior officers.

The visit underscores the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of Gen. Oluyede to promote innovation, encouraging indigenous research and development efforts towards achieving Nigeria’s defence industrialisation objectives.