The Federal Government has announced an exciting development in Nigeria's defense sector: many African nations are now turning to Nigeria for high-tech military hardware, according to media reports.
As Matawalle noted, this achievement is a testament to the efforts of the Ministry of Defense and the new management of the DICON under the Bola Tinubu administration.
He also emphasized that this growing patronage from African countries will not only boost Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings but also create jobs for skilled Nigerians and reduce capital flight.
"We want to change the narrative of DICON," he was quoted as saying. "Many people have been asking me, at 60 years old, what has DICON done? What are we doing? That we are buying foreign equipment, foreign ammunition, and other armaments that DICON cannot yet produce."
The minister highlighted the significance of the upcoming Africa Defense Industries Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, which will feature over 150 foreign nationals showcasing their capabilities. This event marks DICON’s 60th anniversary and aims to shine a spotlight on what Nigeria has achieved in military manufacturing over the decades.
Matawalle also pointed out that the new DICON Act 2023, which makes it mandatory for all government organizations and agencies to procure military hardware from DICON, has the potential to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s development and national security.