Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s local defence manufacturing capacity and enhanced self-reliance in military equipment production.
He made the reaffirmation when he conducted a strategic visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory (ORDFAC), Kakuri, Kaduna State.
As stated in a press release on Friday by Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the visit featured a comprehensive tour of the corporation’s production and research facilities.
CDS on a visit to DICON
During the visit, the CDS was briefed by Director General DICON, Major General BI Alaya, on the corporation’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future development plans.
General Oluyede inspected key production facilities and received updates on the efforts by DICON to expand local defence manufacturing and improve operational support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The CDS also visited DICON’s Research and Development facilities, where several indigenous products were showcased.
He commended the management and workforce of DICON for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s indigenous defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.
He noted that the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on local defence production is essential to improving operational readiness, reducing dependence on foreign military hardware, conserving foreign exchange and ensuring sustainable logistics support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He reaffirmed Defence Headquarters’ unwavering commitment to supporting DICON’s transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He stressed that strengthening local defence manufacturing remained a strategic priority in building a more resilient, self-sufficient and technologically advanced military.
The visit underscored the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, under the leadership of General Oluyede, to promoting innovation, encouraging indigenous research and development efforts towards achieving Nigeria’s defence industrialisation objectives.
General Oluyede was accompanied by the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy Major General OT Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General ASM Wase, and other senior officers.
