Security: Nigeria should prioritise arms production, funding for DICON, others –IMPI

*Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, Chairman of Independent Media and Policy Initiative, urges the Federal Government to prioritise local arms production with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria leading the charge

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise local arms production with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) leading the charge.

Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, Chairman of IMPI, who said this in a recent policy statement, urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to ensure funding for DICON, forge partnerships with countries, such as Turkey and Israel, to bridge gaps in expertise.

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Akinsiju stated: “The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), established in 1964, should be the backbone of self-reliance. “Instead, it is held back by underfunding and bureaucracy.”

He also noted: “Its OBJ-006 rifle, meant to symbolise self-sufficiency, still relies on imported parts.

“Contrast this with South Africa’s Paramount Group, which produces armoured vehicles for global markets, or Turkey’s booming drone industry.”

The policy statement noted: “Nigeria has the capacity; what is missing is the political will.

“Local firms like Proforce already manufacture mine-resistant vehicles, yet the military still imports overpriced, refurbished equipment from questionable middlemen.”

IMPI said: “The $500 million contract for outdated Puma helicopters in 2014, a deal stained by corruption, shows how broken the system could be.

“Nigeria must prioritise local arms production. DICON needs funding and partnerships with tech-savvy nations such as Turkey or Israel to bridge expertise gaps.”

It said the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) also had what it takes to play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s drone technology with a team of skilled engineers and researchers who are already actively involved in designing and developing indigenous drones for various applications, including military, civilian, and scientific purposes.