By Deborah Coker
The Ministry of Defence (MoD), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an ammunition production factory in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event took place at the MoD headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
In his remarks shortly after the signing of the MoU and Joint Venture (JV), Dr Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, described the event as a milestone in the history of the ministry and the country at large.
Matawalle emphasised the need to leave a legacy for future generations that would make them proud of their country, hence the partnership.
He disclosed that at the inception of the present administration, he promised President Tinubu that within four years, DICON would be exporting military capabilities.
“I am proud to say that less than two years down, that promise is materialising,” he said.
He further explained that the military required only 200 million rounds of ammunition per annum, and if the needs of other security agencies were included, it would amount to at least 350 million.
“If the military and other security agencies purchase this ammunition from DICON, there won’t be pressure on the Federal Government to source foreign exchange to buy from foreign countries.
“There won’t be pressure on the Naira, as the Naira will be used to buy from DICON,” he explained.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of NASENI, Dr Khalil Halilu, described the signing of the MoU and JV as a milestone in achieving self-reliance in defence ammunition production.
Halilu emphasised the need to position partners to meet emerging security threats, adding that NASENI was at the forefront of promoting such partnerships.
“Our goal is to create a robust ecosystem to reduce dependence on foreign importation of ammunition,” he said.
Also, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, said the MoU and JV would open new doors and avenues to Nigeria’s security architecture in our own hands.
He said the Ajaokuta Steel Company would provide the needed platform for the industrial complex.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, MoD, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said signing the MoU with NASENI was about making government institutions work with the private sector for the benefit of the country.
“This is all about promoting indigenous production,” he said. (NAN)
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