FG to invest in production of military weapons

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will invest substantially in the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to improve weapon production.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the 60th anniversary celebration of DICON and the maiden African defence industries conference in Abuja.

The president, represented by George Akume, secretary to government of the federation, said the investment will enable the defence corporation to achieve its 2030 roadmap goals.

He said the country’s current security challenges demand a holistic approach for effective resolution.

He said the signing of the DICON Act 2023 has provided the framework to drive the country’s objectives in defence manufacturing and technology.

“It also supports the modernisation of our Armed Forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges,” he said.

“This strategy aligns primarily with two key priorities of our Renewed Hope Agenda: strengthening national security and accelerating economic diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, manufacturing, and innovation.

“Industrialisation and innovation, as we all know, are capital-intensive ventures but necessary for the growth of any nation. To this end, my administration will invest substantially in DICON to ensure it delivers on its mandate efficiently within the 2030 roadmap timeframe.

“I am happy to see the progress towards establishing our first uncrewed or unmanned aerial and land vehicle automated production lines.

“These lofty steps would indeed bring us closer to the rest of the world, and no doubt significantly impact our current efforts to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in our country.”

He said the introduction of BAT A-1 specialised assault rifle and its production line will reduce small arms proliferation issues and equip security operatives with modern weapons.

“The proposed state-of-the-art micro motherboard processing facility will be the backbone of robotics and artificial intelligence innovations, leveraging resources from our newly inaugurated lithium development plant in Nasarawa state,” he said.

“Expanding our production capabilities and enhancing our research and development efforts will create jobs, develop human capital, and stimulate economic growth.

“Establishing a tech hub and R&D lab in Abuja will provide the enabling environment and attract young talent to foster a culture of Innovation, driving Nigeria’s defence industry forward.”