As the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) wraps up its 60th anniversary and the inaugural Africa Defence Industries Conference (ADIC), Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has issued a clarion call to stakeholders.
He emphasized the need to carry forward the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and resilience that was vividly displayed throughout the event.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Matawalle highlighted the profound significance of the celebration, which not only marked six decades of DICON’s dedication to national security but also underscored its evolving role in promoting self-reliance in defense production.
He stressed that the strength of a nation lies in the collective commitment to its defense and development.
Expressing deep gratitude to all participants, Dr. Matawalle acknowledged their critical role in shaping the future of DICON.
He urged stakeholders to remain resolute in their mission to enhance national defense capabilities, ensuring peace and stability for future generations.
The Director General of DICON, Major General Aniedi Edet, echoed this sentiment, describing the maiden African defense conference as a powerful affirmation of DICON’s essential role in national security and the advancement of indigenous defense manufacturing.
Major General Edet thanked the participants for their valuable contributions, noting that the innovative ideas presented are vital to DICON’s ongoing success.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners of the Defense Innovation Ideas Awards, honoring three visionary individuals whose concepts promise to revolutionize Nigeria’s defense sector.
Major General Edet commended the awardees for their creativity and dedication, which he said embodies the forward-thinking spirit that DICON aims to foster.
As the event concluded, industry leaders, policymakers, and experts left with groundbreaking insights and strategic recommendations that promise to transform Africa’s defense capabilities. Reflecting on six decades of innovation and progress, the outcomes of the ADIC conference signal the dawn of a new era of collaboration and advancement for Africa’s defense industry, with Nigeria at the forefront.
The Nigerian Military has highlighted their determination to restore peace and stability across the nation, ensuring a safer environment for all.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have reported significant successes in their ongoing military operations across the country, with particular emphasis on the recently intensified war against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. This effort has already resulted in a noticeable uptick in the nation’s crude oil production, a critical boost for Nigeria’s economy.
The Director Defense Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the biweekly press briefing.
Major Buba while acknowledging that the country has not yet reached its desired daily crude oil production levels emphasized that troops will maintain their renewed vigor until production targets are not only met but exceeded.
This operation is part of a broader effort by the Armed Forces to combat various forms of criminality and terrorism throughout Nigeria.
During the review period, Nigerian troops conducted operations across multiple regions, achieving substantial victories.
He noted that Troops discovered and destroyed 84 illegal refining sites, recovering 920,800 liters of stolen crude oil, 88,760 liters of illegally refined diesel, and 7,500 liters of petrol.
They also destroyed equipment used for illegal refining, including 17 boats and 62 drums, and arrested 23 suspects involved in oil theft.
Reacting to insecurity facing the Northeast, he said under Operation HADIN KAI, troops neutralized 81 terrorists and arrested 52 suspects across several states, including Borno and Yobe. In a separate operation, 135 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, along with their families, surrendered to the military.
Troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 78 violent extremists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages across Plateau and Kaduna States.
In the same region, Operation WHIRL STROKE led to the neutralization of 7 terrorists and the arrest of 23 suspects.
He noted that Operation HADARIN DAJI and Operation WHIRL PUNCH saw troops neutralize 30 terrorists, arrest 21 others, and rescue 44 kidnapped hostages across Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.
In addition, a significant gunrunning syndicate was disrupted with the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a large cache of ammunition.
In furtherance, Operations UDO KA and AWATSE in the Southeast and Southwest regions respectively led to the neutralization of 12 violent extremists, the arrest of several suspected IPOB/ESN members, and the recovery of a range of arms and ammunition.
Major Buba reiterated its commitment to annihilating terrorist elements across the country and ensuring the safety of all Nigerian citizens.
He stressed that success in these operations is not solely dependent on military might but also requires the cooperation and support of the Nigerian people.
He urged all citizens to contribute to the ongoing fight against insecurity.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a groundbreaking initiative to develop a robust ecosystem for the production of military hardware in Nigeria, leveraging the vast resources of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.
This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s defense capabilities and stimulate economic growth.
The Ajaokuta Steel Plant, sprawling over 24,000 hectares, is set to play a central role in this initiative by supplying the essential raw materials required for the production of military equipment from small arms to advanced defense systems, the plant’s output is expected to meet the diverse needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, announced a significant stride towards indigenous arms manufacturing, stating that producing arms and ammunition locally will ease the pressure on Nigeria’s currency and improve its value in the foreign exchange market.
Speaking on Wednesday 14th August,2024 during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministries of Defence, Steel Development, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Dr. Matawalle highlighted the country’s pressing need for ammunition. The Nigerian military alone requires approximately 200 million rounds annually, with the total demand rising to 350 million rounds when the needs of paramilitary forces and the police are included.
The Minister noted the MoU aims to facilitate the large-scale production of arms and ammunition within Nigeria through the military industrial complex, a significant step towards reducing dependence on foreign imports.
Dr. Matawalle expressed optimism that the revitalized Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is on track to begin exporting military hardware in the near future.
“I made a promise to Mr. President that, as long as we are in the Ministry of Defence, before the expiration of these four years, DICON will be exporting its military capability. If we are manufacturing even 60 or 70 percent of our military hardware and ammunition, the ministry’s or military’s need for foreign exchange for importation would reduce significantly,” said Dr. Matawalle,
The Minister who also serves as the board chairman of DICON further explained that if the military industrial complex achieves its projected production volume, the pressure on foreign exchange markets would decrease as local security agencies would purchase ammunition in naira, reducing the need to source forex.
Also speaking, the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, emphasized the strategic importance of Ajaokuta in this collaboration.
“Ajaokuta provides the perfect platform for the military industrial complex. With its vast resources and existing infrastructure, it has the capacity to support the production of helmets, vests, rifles, bullets, and even military tanks,” he stated.
Audu highlighted that this collaboration would not only enhance Nigeria’s defense capabilities but also boost the economy by creating jobs and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, underscored the significance of the partnership with the private sector in establishing a self-reliant defense industry.
“This initiative will lay a solid foundation for a defense industry that can meet the needs of our armed forces while contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth,” Kana said.
Also, the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, stressed the national imperative of the Military Industrial Complex (MIC).
“In a rapidly evolving global security environment, it is crucial for Nigeria to position itself to address emerging threats with homegrown solutions,” Halilu stated.
He further noted, “Today, we are embarking on a journey that will redefine Nigeria’s defense landscape and secure our nation’s future. This partnership between NASENI and the Ministry of Defence is a testament to our commitment to harness Nigeria’s scientific and engineering expertise in the service of national defense.”
The partnership is expected to lay the foundation for a self-sufficient defense industry that will not only equip the military with the best tools to defend the nation but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.
As Nigeria celebrates DICON’s 60 years of service, the vision laid out today sets the stage for a future where the country’s defence industry plays a pivotal role in both national security and economic development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national security and technological advancement by unveiling a comprehensive strategy for Nigeria’s defence sector.
This announcement was made during the 60th-anniversary celebration of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the inaugural Africa Defence Industries Conference, held today in Abuja.
In his keynote address, President Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume hailed DICON’s six-decade legacy of resilience and innovation.
Established in 1964, DICON has grown into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s military-industrial complex, producing essential ammunition and equipment for the country’s armed forces.
The President emphasized that DICON’s contributions during the Nigerian Civil War were pivotal in maintaining the nation’s unity, underscoring the corporation’s critical role in Nigeria’s defence history.
Tinubu further announced the signing of the DICON Act 2023, which he described as a milestone that creates the right environment for the corporation to modernize and expand its production capabilities.
“The newly automated production lines for various categories of ammunition, Mine Resistant Ambush Patrol Vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carrier, drones, and unmanned ground vehicles, for instance, will provide our armed forces with advanced equipment tailored to our contemporary challenges providing our troops with the required advantage over our adversaries.” Said Tinubu
He expressed that Introducing the BAT A-1 Specialised Assault Rifle and its production line will address small arms proliferation issues while equipping our security operatives with modern fighting capabilities.
“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.
“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”.
“We are on course to leap forward in Nigeria’s defence capabilities. These developments would bolster the nation’s efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges.” He said
The event also marked the launch of DICON’s Vision and Strategy Road Map 2030, which aligns with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” This strategic plan is designed to position DICON as a leader in defence innovation across Africa, driving economic diversification through industrialization, digitization, and manufacturing.
The roadmap sets clear objectives to enhance national security and promote sustainable development.
Speaking earlier, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle who delivered the opening remarks, lauded the DICON Act 2023 as a transformative legal framework that empowers the corporation to operate with greater autonomy and efficiency.
Matawalle also introduced the Defence Innovation Challenge, an initiative aimed at harnessing the talents of young Nigerians to advance national and regional security through innovative defence technologies.
The minister noted that over the past 60 years, DICON has made significant contributions to our nation’s defence architecture, providing the Nigerian Armed Forces with essential equipment and supporting the development of the military capabilities.
He expressed with delight the immense pride in this legacy of resilience and innovation.
Reacting to the recent enactment of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Matawalle said it marks a turning point in the history of ths defence sector.
“This new legal framework empowers DICON to operate with greater autonomy and efficiency, enhancing its ability to meet the evolving defence needs of our nation.
“However, as we stand on the threshold of a new era, it is clear that the future holds even greater opportunities for growth and transformation of indigenous production in Nigeria.”
Speaking also, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa said DICON has played their part in safeguarding the nation’s security and sovereignty.
“Today, we celebrate its achievements and look ahead to a future filled with even greater promise and potential,” the CDS said.
“As African nations continue to confront threats to peace and stability, it is essential that we work together to enhance our defence capabilities and foster regional cooperation.he noted.
”As we reflect on the security challenges grappling our respective nations today, there is a growing imperative to fully develop our indigenous production capacities, and strengthen our military industrial complex”he said.
In his address, the Director-General of DICON, Major General Aniedi Edet commended President Tinubu for the supportive roles being extended to the Corporation since assumption of office
Edet highlighted the corporation’s evolution from its early focus on small arms and ammunition production to its current diverse portfolio, which now includes ventures into civilian applications.
He expressed optimism about the future, citing the strategic partnerships and innovations that will drive DICON’s growth.
“DICON at 60 is more than a celebration; it is a call to action,” the Director-General said, urging stakeholders to collaborate in building a self-reliant defence sector.
Reacting to the theme of the conference “Future Frontiers in Africa’s Defence Technology”, the Director General said it challenges us to reflect on our collective journey, to innovate, and to strengthen the ties that bind us in our common pursuit of building a DICON that will guarantee self-sufficiency in the equipment needs of our Armed Forces, and other security agencies in Nigeria,”
Edet assured that the corporation would live up to expectations of the Federal government
Maryam AminuThe Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has addressed the ongoing controversy regarding the salaries and allowances of Members of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has addressed the ongoing controversy regarding the salaries and allowances of Members of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This clarification comes in response to recent public discourse fueled by statements from elder statesmen, public affairs commentators, civil society organizations, and the media.
The issue gained renewed attention following comments made by former Senator Shehu Sani, who claimed that each Senator receives a monthly running cost of N13.5 million, in addition to a monthly salary of N750,000 as prescribed by the Commission.
RMAFC clarified that it does not have the constitutional authority to enforce compliance with the proper implementation of the remuneration package for legislators.
However, this issue is currently being addressed by the National Assembly.
A detailed breakdown provided by the Commission shows that each Senator is entitled to a monthly salary and allowances totaling N1,063,860. This sum includes a basic salary of N168,866.70, motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance of N126,650, personal assistant allowance of N42,216.66, domestic staff allowance of N126,650, entertainment allowance of N50,660, utilities allowance of N50,660, newspaper/periodicals allowance of N25,330, wardrobe allowance of N42,216.66, house maintenance allowance of N8,443.33, and a constituency allowance of N422,166.66.
RMAFC further explained that while some allowances are paid regularly with the basic salary, others are non-regular and are paid as due. Notably, the furniture allowance of N6,079,200 and severance gratuity of N6,079,200 are paid once every tenure, while the vehicle allowance of N8,105,600 is an optional loan that must be repaid before leaving office.
The Commission emphasized that, unlike in the past, most political and legislative officers, except for key figures such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, are no longer provided with housing.
RMAFC also urged the public to critically assess any claims regarding allowances beyond those stipulated in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008, and advised that any such allegations should be substantiated by those making them.
To prevent the spread of misinformation, the Commission encourages Nigerians and interested parties to review the current remuneration package details for political, public, and judicial office holders, available on its official website: http://www.rmafc.gov.ng
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has praised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for launching an investigation into the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over allegations of misappropriating ₦90 billion in Hajj subsidies.
In a recent statement, the ICPC revealed that several NAHCON officials were arrested on Wednesday after they failed to respond to an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
The spokesperson for the ICPC, Demola Bakare, clarified the situation, saying, “We are investigating officials of the National Hajj Commission because they either failed or refused to honour the invitation. We, therefore, paid them a friendly visit.”
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, expressed deep concern over reports of widespread misappropriation of funds during this year’s Hajj.
Rafsanjani emphasized that many pilgrims received substandard services despite the significant government subsidies allocated for their welfare.
“We commend the ICPC’s efforts to expose this monumental fraud and urge them to ensure that corruption is rooted out of our public institutions,” Rafsanjani stated.
As the head of Transparency International Nigeria (TI-Nigeria), Rafsanjani highlighted the pervasive impact of corruption on the nation’s socio-economic well-being.
He noted that persistent fraud and institutional failures have played a significant role in the deepening poverty crisis in Nigeria.
“The level of fraud and disregard for institutional integrity have plunged millions of Nigerians into abject poverty while a few individuals amass wealth at the expense of the general populace,” he lamented.
He referenced recent statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which indicate that over 133 million Nigerians are currently living in multidimensional poverty.
He further argued that the diversion of public funds meant for the welfare of citizens has only worsened the nation’s socio-economic challenges.
CISLAC Boss called on the ICPC to continue its efforts to eradicate corruption from public institutions, pointing to Nigeria’s low ranking on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index as a clear indicator of the urgent need for reform.
As the investigation unfolds, CISLAC reiterated its stance against corruption, urging for immediate reforms to restore integrity within public institutions.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, for his significant contribution to national security through the donation of 100,000 hectares of land to the Nigerian Navy.
The land, located within the Olokola Free Trade Zone along the Bight of Benin, is set to become a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the Navy, enhancing its operational presence and capabilities in the region.
The Director, Information and Public Relations for the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, in a statement signed and made available to journalists on Tuesday, said Dr. Matawalle praised the Governor’s commitment to bolstering the nation’s security, highlighting that such support from state governments is crucial in the collective effort to safeguard the country.
“This donation is a testament to Governor Abiodun’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Armed Forces. It reflects a profound dedication to the security and development of Nigeria, particularly in the South-West region,” Dr. Matawalle stated.
The Minister also called on other state governments to follow Ogun State’s example by collaborating with and supporting the Armed Forces in their efforts to combat insecurity nationwide.
Dr. Matawalle reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with state governments and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace and security across Nigeria.
The Minister’s remarks underscore the importance of state-level contributions to national defense, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital for ensuring a safe and secure environment for all Nigerians.
Former Super Eagles winger and current President of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), Tijani Babangida, has called on former footballers in Nigeria to set aside their differences and unite.
Babangida emphasized that only through collective effort can they achieve their goals and aspirations.
His appeal came in the wake of a personal tragedy. The PFAN President was recently involved in a horrific car accident that claimed the lives of his younger brother, Ibrahim, and his son, Fadeel. His wife, who was also injured in the accident, is currently recovering in an European hospital, thanks to the efforts of former players from Roda JC, a Dutch football club where Babangida once played.
In a gesture of solidarity, these former Roda JC players not only facilitated his wife’s treatment but also hosted a “Get Well” dinner for Babangida.
During the dinner, they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting him and his family until they fully recover.
Babangida, who is affectionately known as “TJ” by his admirers, praised the unity among the former Roda JC players, stating that such solidarity is what should be expected from players’ unions.
“This is what players must do; players must be there for each other during and after football because they have become one family,” Babangida said, reflecting on the supportive spirit he experienced.
He further expressed his hope to see a similar spirit of generosity and support among Nigerian footballers, both current and former.
“We cannot wait for outsiders to support and assist us all the time. We must put programs in place to support ourselves, just as it is done in Europe and other advanced countries. Each generation of players must watch out for themselves and establish programs they can rely on.”
Babangida also warned against infighting within the players’ union, stating, “We will gain nothing by fighting ourselves; we can only gain if we come together to support each other. This is my prayer, and this is what I will pursue when I return to Nigeria.”
Babangida further expressed deep gratitude to the former players of Roda JC, saying, “Words are not enough to express how grateful I am. I am seriously overwhelmed and grateful.”
Babangida’s call for unity comes at a crucial time, as the PFAN seeks to strengthen its ranks and better serve the needs of Nigerian footballers both on and off the pitch.
Former Nigeria Super Eagles winger, Tijani Babangida has urged former footballers in Nigeria to put aside their differences and work together noting that it is only through that they can achieve their goals and aspirations.
The PFAN president who was recently in the news when he was involved in a ghastly motor accident which resulted in the death of his younger brother Ibrahim and his son Fadeel, and his wife still recovering in a European hospital courtesy the efforts of the former Players of Roda JC of Holland noted that it was only possible because of the unity among the former players.
And as a way to make him more relaxed and take his mind away from the accident, the former players also hosted him to a GET WELL DINNER. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring total support for Tijani Babangida and wife until full recovery.
TJ as he is most called by his admirers stressed that this is what is expected of players Union rather than fighting for what does not matter at all. In their own words; “this is what players must do, players must be there for each other during and after football because they have become one family as a result’.
Tijani Babangida who was filled with gratitude noted that his desire is to see such a generous and supportive spirit among Nigeria players both current and former players.
“We cannot wait for outsiders to support and assist us all the time. We must put programs in place to support ourselves just as it is here in Europe and other advanced countries. Each generation of players must watch out for themselves, put programs in place that they can easily fall back to.
“We will gain nothing fighting ourselves, we can only gain if we come together to support ourselves. This is my prayer and this is what I will pursue when I return to Nigeria,”
Tijani Babangida stated that words are not enough to express how grateful he is to the former players of Roda JC of Holland. “I am seriously overwhelmed and grateful,” he concluded.
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing digital literacy training to over 30 million Nigerian youth.
This major announcement was made by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, during an interview in Abuja in celebration of International Youth Day.
Represented by Prince Momoh Olugbenga, the Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion, Dr. Ibrahim highlighted the importance of equipping young Nigerians with essential digital skills to thrive in the global digital economy.
She emphasized that this initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering the youth with the knowledge and tools needed to fully participate in the digital landscape.
The Minister also noted that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has introduced a volunteer community known as Digital Onboarders, through an ongoing partnership with Mind The Gap Nigeria. This community is dedicated to enhancing youth productivity by developing their digital skills.
“President Bola Tinubu is keenly aware of the growing importance of the digital economy, he has dedicated a Ministry to coordinate efforts in this area. Our Ministry has been actively seeking partnerships and opportunities to connect as many youth as possible to the learning experiences that will equip them for success in the digital economy.” She said
Dr. Ibrahim also addressed the challenge of youth unemployment, noting that an estimated 75% of job seekers would have better chances of securing employment in the evolving Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
However, she pointed out that MSMEs are facing a decline in survival rates due to a lack of relevant skills to leverage the emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
To address this, the Ministry has launched the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), a platform designed to equip young people with the skills necessary to participate actively in salvaging businesses and tapping into the opportunities within the country’s Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) market.
The theme of this year’s International Youth Day is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
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