The Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON-D7G), Mr Osman Chennar, says Nigeria is set to deepen indigenous defence manufacturing through the establishment of local production lines for armoured vehicles, anti-drone platforms and other specialised military equipment.

Chennar said the initiative, being pursued in partnership with Eagles International for Defence Systems, would facilitate technology transfer, expand Nigeria’s domestic defence manufacturing capacity and create hundreds of jobs.

He disclosed that the partnership would create employment for more than 200 workers, while providing opportunities for about 100 retired military personnel.

According to him, the arrangement is designed to enable Nigeria to acquire advanced defence technologies and develop the capacity to manufacture a wider range of military platforms locally, with the long-term possibility of supplying other African countries.

Chennar spoke while highlighting the outcome of a two-day inspection tour of factories and military production facilities in Cairo, Egypt, undertaken by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and his delegation.

He said the delegation inspected various equipment and production systems that could support Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing ambitions.

Among the platforms targeted under the partnership are the Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle BR6, a modular multi-mission defence platform; Armoured Personnel Carrier cabin; 120mm manual mortar launcher cabin; and medical evacuation and ambulance cabins.

The portfolio, according to Chennar also includes the MRAP-Buffalo U.10 and M.12 armoured vehicles, MRAP-Buffalo F-4, Rhino Guard GXR anti-drone and RPG-protected vehicle, APC Moon PT6, GXR Phantom light vehicle and BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

“The initiative comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen indigenous defence production and reduce dependence on imported military hardware amid persistent security challenges across the country.

” The Nigerian Army has also begun receiving locally manufactured armoured vehicles as part of efforts to improve operational capacity and promote domestic defence manufacturing.” He further explained.

Chennar said DICON-D7G was also planning the development of a dedicated military jetty in Lagos to strengthen the logistics chain supporting local defence production.

He said the facility would facilitate the movement of raw materials, components and finished military equipment, and serve as a strategic hub for the distribution of defence equipment within Nigeria and potentially across other African countries.

According to him, the jetty project is expected to commence within the next two to three months and could provide employment for more than 200 retired military personnel and over 1,000 civilians when fully operational.

Chennar said the project would complement DICON-D7G’s manufacturing plans by providing the logistics infrastructure necessary to support the movement of materials and finished products.