The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigeria military’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing as part of efforts to boost self-reliance in military equipment production and enhance national security.
General Oluyede made the pledge during a strategic visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory (ORDFAC) in Kakuri, Kaduna, where he assessed the corporation’s production capabilities, ongoing projects and research initiatives aimed at advancing local defence technology.
During the visit, the Director-General of DICON, Major General BI Alaya, briefed the CDS on the corporation’s manufacturing capacity, ongoing programmes and future development plans. The Defence Chief also toured key production lines and research facilities, where several locally developed defence products were showcased.
Commending the management and workforce of DICON for their commitment to indigenous defence technology, General Oluyede said the Federal Government’s renewed focus on local defence production would improve operational readiness, reduce dependence on foreign military hardware, conserve foreign exchange and ensure sustainable logistics support for the Nigeria military.
He reiterated Defence Headquarters’ commitment to supporting DICON’s transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the operational needs of the Nigeria military and other security agencies.
According to the CDS, strengthening local defence production remains a strategic priority in building a resilient, self-sufficient and technologically advanced military capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The visit, he noted, reflects the military’s commitment to promoting innovation and encouraging indigenous research and development in line with Nigeria’s defence industrialisation agenda.
General Oluyede was accompanied by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General OT Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General ASM Wase, and other Senior Military Officers.