DICON-D7G, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, announced plans to unveil a military jetty in Lagos within the next two to three months. The announcement came after a two-day inspection tour led by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and his delegation, who visited factories and military production facilities in Cairo. The visit was part of broader efforts to boost Nigeria's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The initiative is spearheaded by DICON-D7G in partnership with Eagles International for Defence Systems, aiming to increase technology transfer, expand domestic production, and reduce reliance on imported military equipment. The partnership between DICON-D7G and Eagles International is designed to create over 200 jobs directly and provide employment opportunities for approximately 100 retired military personnel. The CEO of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, stated that the collaboration would facilitate the transfer of advanced defence technologies to Nigeria, enabling the country to produce a wide range of military platforms for its armed forces and potentially for other African nations. Among the platforms targeted for local production are the Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle BR6, Armoured Personnel Carrier cabins, 120mm manual mortar launcher cabins, and medical evacuation and ambulance cabins. Other planned products include the MRAP-Buffalo U.10 and M.12 armoured vehicles, MRAP-Buffalo F-4, Rhino Guard GXR anti-drone and RPG-protected vehicle, APC Moon PT6, GXR Phantom light vehicle, and BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle. In addition to vehicle manufacturing, DICON-D7G is planning the development of a dedicated military jetty in Lagos. This facility is intended to serve as a strategic logistics hub for the movement of raw materials, components, and finished military equipment both within Nigeria and across the African continent. Chennar noted that the jetty is expected to generate employment for over 200 retired military personnel and more than 1,000 civilians once the project becomes operational. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on strengthening Nigeria's domestic defence sector, which has been increasingly challenged by persistent security threats such as terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. The Nigerian Army has already begun receiving locally manufactured armoured vehicles, marking a shift away from heavy reliance on foreign procurement. This trend underscores the government's commitment to building a sustainable defence manufacturing ecosystem capable of meeting the operational needs of the armed forces. The expansion of indigenous production is also expected to have broader economic benefits, including the retention of defence expenditures within the domestic economy, the development of specialized technical skills, and the reduction of dependency on external suppliers. The planned military jetty in Lagos is a key component of this strategy, aimed at enhancing logistical efficiency and supporting the growing demand for military equipment. It is anticipated that the facility will play a crucial role in ensuring the timely supply of resources to the armed forces and facilitating exports to other African countries. The project aligns with Nigeria's broader goals of fostering self-reliance in critical sectors and promoting regional cooperation through shared infrastructure and technological advancements. As the project moves forward, the success of DICON-D7G and its partners will depend on their ability to maintain momentum in production, secure necessary funding, and navigate regulatory hurdles. The launch of the military jetty is expected to mark a significant milestone in Nigeria's journey toward becoming a leading player in African defence manufacturing. The timing of the unveiling, within the next few months, suggests that the initiative is gaining traction and is poised to make a tangible impact on the country's security and economic landscape.
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