The Federal Government has commissioned the headquarters of the DICON-D7G partnership in Asokoro, Abuja, marking a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s defence manufacturing capabilities and promoting self-reliance in military hardware production.

The project, a joint venture between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and D7G Nigeria Limited, was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle. He described the initiative as a key part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a national effort to address emerging security threats through indigenous innovation.

The DICON-D7G partnership will focus on the local production and assembly of firearms, ammunition, grenades, rockets, drones, and advanced defence systems. It also includes plans for training programmes, intelligence services, and maintenance workshops.

Immediate priorities include the establishment of a small arms assembly line at DICON’s Kaduna facility and the stockpiling of ammunition for Nigeria and partner African militaries.

The initiative is expected to boost national security, create economic opportunities through technology transfer and SME participation, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in defence production.