The Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, (DICON) Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Alaya, has argued that effective implementation of the DICON Act (2023), remains central to achieving a self-reliant defence industrial base.

Accordingly, Alaya, who doubles as the Chairman of Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), tasked the Federal Government on the urgent need to strengthen local defence industry capabilities, to enhance national security and order.

A statement signed yesterday by the General Secretary of DIAN, Kola Balogun, said the meeting brought together key stakeholders in the defence manufacturing sector, who reviewed ongoing reforms and strategies aimed at accelerating the full implementation of the DICON Act 2023.

The DIAN Chairman stressed that developing indigenous capacity in defence production was no longer optional but a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s security architecture.

He further noted that a strong local defence industry would improve operational readiness of Nigerian Armed Forces, ensure timely availability of critical military equipment and enhance supply chain resilience in support of ongoing security operations nationwide.

The Act, he explained, provides a robust legal and institutional framework for promoting local production, technology transfer, innovation and private sector participation in defence manufacturing.

He further charged members to intensify efforts towards achieving self-sufficiency in the production of military hardware and related technologies, describing indigenous defence production as a critical pillar of national security.

The chairman emphasised that collaboration among government, industry stakeholders, and regulatory institutions would be key to building a sustainable defence ecosystem capable of meeting Nigeria’s operational requirements.