In order to increase weapon production, President Bola Tinubu says his administration will make significant investments in the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
At the inaugural African defence industries conference and DICON’s 60th anniversary celebration in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu delivered a speech.
The investment will allow the defence corporation to meet the objectives of its 2030 roadmap, according to the president, who was represented by George Akume, secretary to the cabinet of the federation.
He claimed that in order to effectively address the nation’s present security concerns, a comprehensive strategy is required.
He stated that the framework needed to advance the nation’s goals in defence manufacturing and technology was made available with the signing of the DICON Act 2023.
In order to solve difficulties with national and sub-regional security, it also supports modernising our Armed Forces, the speaker stated.
Strengthening national security and increasing economic diversification through industrialisation, digitalisation, manufacturing, and innovation are the two main goals of our Renewed Hope Agenda that this plan mostly coincides with.
“Industrialisation and innovation, as we all know, are capital-intensive ventures but necessary for the growth of any nation. To this end, my administration will invest substantially in DICON to ensure it delivers on its mandate efficiently within the 2030 roadmap timeframe.
“I am happy to see the progress towards establishing our first uncrewed or unmanned aerial and land vehicle automated production lines.
“These lofty steps would indeed bring us closer to the rest of the world, and no doubt significantly impact our current efforts to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in our country.”
He said the introduction of BAT A-1 specialised assault rifle and its production line will reduce small arms proliferation issues and equip security operatives with modern weapons.
“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,” he said.
“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.”