Maryam Aminu
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has successfully marked its 60th anniversary with a grand celebration that drew attention to the crucial role of private sector investment and local manufacturing in strengthening Nigeria’s defence industry.
The event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, also served as the platform for the maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference (ADIC).
Speaking during the event, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, a prominent member of the Senate Committee on Defence, highlighted the vast potential of Nigeria’s defence sector to drive economic growth.
As the Chief Book Launcher at the event, Senator Nwoko stressed the importance of harnessing the nation’s resources to develop a robust defence industry, echoing the sentiment that this sector could become a significant driver of Nigeria’s economy, much like oil, gas, and banking.
“Nigeria’s defence sector is a global powerhouse in the making, with the potential to rival other key economic sectors if properly harnessed,” said Senator Nwoko.
He urged for substantial investments and active private sector participation, asserting that the responsibility should not rest solely on the government.
The Senator emphasized the critical need for local production and manufacturing within the defence sector.
“We have the capacity and the financial resources to make our defence industry as profitable as any other sector in Nigeria,” he noted.
Sen. Nwoko further called on the government to support specialized companies through licensing and approval processes, while also promoting public awareness to attract investment, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imports.
The Senator in a show of commitment to the future of the Nigerian defence industry, made a significant announcement of rewarding the top three contestants with AI-assisted technological business ideas for the sector with the sum of $10,000 each.
This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and build a stronger, self-reliant Nigeria.
As the event came to a close, the consensus was clear: unlocking the full potential of local manufacturing and private sector investment in Nigeria’s defence industry is not just an aspiration but a necessity for the nation’s future.
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