Oluyede Inspects DICON Ordnance Factory, Reaffirms Commitment to Indigenous Defence Production
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa Oluyede, has paid a strategic visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory (ORDFAC), Kakuri, Kaduna, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and enhance self-reliance in military equipment production.
The visit featured a comprehensive tour of DICON’s production, research and development facilities, where the CDS was briefed on the Corporation’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future development plans.
The Director-General of DICON, Major General B.I. Alaya, led the briefing and highlighted the Corporation’s ongoing efforts to expand local defence manufacturing and improve logistics and operational support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
General Oluyede inspected key production facilities and reviewed ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture critical defence equipment locally.
CDS Commends DICON’s Research and Development Efforts
The CDS also visited DICON’s Research and Development facilities, where he was presented with a range of indigenous products developed by the Corporation.
He commended the management and workforce of DICON for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.
General Oluyede noted that the Federal Government’s renewed focus on indigenous defence production was critical to enhancing operational readiness and reducing the country’s dependence on imported military hardware.
He added that strengthening domestic defence manufacturing would help conserve foreign exchange, improve logistics support and provide sustainable access to equipment required by the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The CDS reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to supporting DICON’s transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the evolving operational requirements of Nigeria’s security forces.
He stressed that developing a resilient and self-sufficient defence industrial base remains a strategic priority for Nigeria, particularly in strengthening national security and accelerating technological advancement.
The visit further underscored the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under General Oluyede’s leadership to promoting innovation, indigenous research and development, technology transfer and local manufacturing as key components of Nigeria’s defence industrialisation agenda.
The CDS was accompanied by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General O.T. Olatoye; the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General A.S.M. Wase; and other senior military officers.
The engagement is expected to further strengthen collaboration between Defence Headquarters and DICON in developing local solutions to Nigeria’s defence and security equipment requirements.
Oluyede Inspects DICON Ordnance Factory, Reaffirms Commitment to Indigenous Defence Production