Establishment of DICON-D7G Marks a Strategic Milestone in Enhancing Nigeria’s Defence Capabilities — Minister Matawalle

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, has described the establishment of the DICON-D7G partnership as a timely and strategic move that aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to bolster national security, address emerging threats, and achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He made this known today at the commissioning ceremony of the DICON-D7G Headquarters located in Asokoro, Abuja.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister noted that the joint venture between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and D7G Nigeria Limited represents a significant milestone in the ongoing implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to him, this partnership is a testament to the administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture, driving indigenous innovation, and fostering long-term technological advancement.

“Today,” the Minister remarked, “we inaugurate an enterprise that is not merely a commercial undertaking, but a symbol of our collective resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture. This venture represents a strategic alliance between DICON and D7G, combining capabilities in pursuit of a shared vision—equipping and securing our nation while contributing decisively to peace and stability.”

Dr. Matawalle further stated that the initiative is expected to catalyse research and development in the defence sector, while enabling Nigeria to keep pace with, and indeed lead in, critical technological domains. He added that the project will also empower small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) through technology transfer and supply chain integration, thereby strengthening the broader defence-industrial ecosystem.

Among the immediate initiatives being undertaken by DICON-D7G are the installation of a new signboard at the DICON premises in Kaduna, the establishment of a showroom in Asokoro, and the setting up of an assembly line for small arms at the DICON Factory in Kaduna. This includes the assembly of several types of firearms such as the D0047, D003, 5.56mm NATO rifles, SMG, MPT, 1955 (7.62mm x 51mm), 7.62mm x 54mm rifles, GT7, GT8, and GT9 for civilian use, as well as the PG-7.

The project is also focused on the stockpiling of ammunition to ensure a sustained and reliable supply for the Nigerian Armed Forces, paramilitary agencies, and the militaries of partner African nations. This includes the quarterly delivery of large volumes of various calibres, including 1 million rounds of 12.7mm x 108mm, 2 million rounds of 9mm x 19mm, 1 million rounds of 5.56mm x 45mm, 5 million rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm, 500,000 rounds of 12.7mm x 99mm, 2 million rounds of 7.62mm x 51mm, and 27 million rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm.

Additional initiatives under the partnership include the production of mortar bombs in multiple calibres (60mm, 81mm, 82mm, and 120mm), 40mm x 46mm grenades, 105mm artillery shells, Dackhow rockets, 122mm Grad rockets, hand grenades (No. 36), smoke grenades (SMK), trip flares, 20 x 102mm cartridges, OG-7 anti-personnel rockets, and the assembly of sample MRAP vehicles. The venture also encompasses local training programs for assembly and production personnel, the assembly of drones and UAVs, and the construction of Nigeria’s first military jetty.

Furthermore, the initiative includes the establishment of UAV warehouses, the setup of a Security Intelligence Service and a Security Training Academy, and the development of electro-optics and advanced defence systems. These systems include day/night vision goggles, thermal imagers, ground surveillance radars, RF jammers, remote-controlled weapon stations, mine detection systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, data links, fire control systems, mortar systems, mortar and rocket detection radars, and full-scale ammunition production facilities. Specific efforts are also underway to produce carts for various calibres including 7.62mm x 39mm, 7.62mm x 51mm, 7.62mm x 54mm, 9mm x 19mm, 12.7mm x 108mm, and 12.7mm x 99mm.

Complementing these are the establishment of vehicle and heavy platform workshops for the assembly and maintenance of armoured vehicles, the full assembly of APCs and MRAPs on 4×4 and 6×6 platforms, the construction of a proof yard, and dedicated facilities for bomb and rocket filling operations. These combined efforts are ultimately geared towards achieving full-capacity mass production of arms and ammunition for national and regional security needs.

The Honourable Minister expressed deep appreciation to all partners for their steadfast trust in Nigeria’s vision and thanked the Armed Forces for their enduring professionalism and resilience in confronting evolving security threats.

Dignitaries at the event included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal HB Abubakar; representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff; and senior officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Correctional Service. Also present were the Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, the Accountant General of the Federation, and several other distinguished guests.