- The Tinubu government, through DICON, partners with global firm D7G to boost Nigeria’s military production and support Africa’s security
- DICON showcases advanced military hardware, with emphasis on building Africa’s self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign imports
- African defence chiefs at the summit highlight regional cooperation, expressing interest in partnerships to strengthen indigenous defence capabilities
FCT, Abuja – The Tinubu-led government has announced a fresh move to improve the country’s military strength in addressing insecurity.
This the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) noted that it formed a renewed collaboration with global technical partner D7G, which is aimed at deepening Nigeria’s military production capabilities and supporting Africa’s collective security.
Photo credit: @officialABAT/@home_of_solice
Source: UGC
The announcement was made during the 54 African Chiefs of Defence Summit held in Abuja, which brought together representatives from all 54 African Union member states, as reported by Daily Trust.
Focus on building Africa’s self-reliance
Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, Director-General of DICON, said the partnership was designed to enhance both national and regional defence capacity.
Speaking to delegates at the DICON-D7G exhibition stand, Alaya said:
“We are not only building for Nigeria; we are building for Africa.”
He added that the collaboration showcased a wide array of advanced military hardware, including infantry weapons, surveillance drones, armoured platforms, and naval equipment specifically designed for African theatres of operation.
D7G CEO highlights need for indigenous production
Photo credit: Nurphotos
Source: Getty Images
Osman Chennar, Chief Executive Officer of D7G, emphasised Africa’s need to reduce dependence on foreign imports.
“Africa deserves self-reliant defence capability. Our partnership with DICON shows that world-class military hardware can be produced in Africa, by Africans, for Africa,” he said.
Summit underscores regional security cooperation
The summit also focused on the pressing need for regional cooperation in tackling transnational threats across the Sahel, Gulf of Guinea, and Horn of Africa.
Several African defence chiefs expressed interest in procurement partnerships with DICON and D7G, recognising Nigeria’s role in leading efforts toward indigenous defence production, as reported by Vanguard.
Delegates agreed that joint innovation centres and public-private partnerships would be key drivers of Africa’s industrial and security growth. African Union officials commended Nigeria, with one noting,
“Africa’s security must be built with African hands, and partnerships like DICON-D7G will be vital in turning that vision into reality.”
Buratai advises action to take to tackle insecurity
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), the former Chief of Army Staff, has called on the federal government to opt for the nationwide mobilisation, like that of the COVID-19 lockdown, in the fight against kidnapping, terrorism and banditry.
The former army boss argued that the Nigerians should not leave the fight against insecurity in the hands of the military alone, adding that it should be treated as a national crisis where collective sacrifice is required.
Buratai, speaking in an interview on Channels TV on Friday, August 22, explained that where there was a COVID-19 lockdown, lots of money was spent on information, preventive measures, advertisement, communication and palliatives.
Source: Legit.ng