According to Bello Matawalle, the Minister Of State for Defence, the Armed Forces of Nigeria requires 200 million rounds of ammunition every year for its operations, costing the government at least $2 per ammunition.
In a statement, Matawalle also criticized past administrations for the country’s inability to achieve self-sufficiency in defence production.
During the signing of a memorandum of understanding among the Ministry of Defense, Defence Industries Corporations of Nigeria, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering to set up an ammunition production factory in Nigeria, the minister made these revelations.
Matawalle assured the president that DICON would commence exporting arms and ammunition before the end of his first four-year term in office.
He mentioned, “We have witnessed the progress of local manufacturers around the world during our travels. Unfortunately, Nigeria has not been able to build such institutions over the past 60 years, but the trend is changing and will continue to change, inshallah.
“Therefore, I pledge to Mr. President that within his four-year tenure, I guarantee him that DICON will export its military capabilities.
“All we ask for from you is your prayers and dedication.
“We will nurture this project collectively. If we can achieve a 60% to 70% reduction in our military hardware and ammunition spending today, imagine the yearly expenses of the ministry or the military?
“The military alone requires about 200 million rounds of ammunition per year. Just the military. When combined with other paramilitary forces like the police, we are looking at around 350 million rounds of ammunition annually”.
The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, emphasized that the MoU signing marks a significant milestone in enhancing the nation’s defence capabilities and attaining self-sufficiency in military hardware production.
He added, “NASENI has been a key player in promoting innovation and technological progress across various sectors in Nigeria. With our successful track record in research, development, and manufacturing, we are well-equipped to contribute significantly to the establishment of the MIC.
“Our objective is to create a strong ecosystem that not only caters to the armed forces’ needs but also boosts local industries’ growth, thereby reducing our reliance on imports.
The Minister Of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, highlighted that the Ajaokuta Steel Plant offers an ideal foundation for the Military Industrial Complex.
He explained that the Ajaokuta steel plant occupies roughly 24,000 hectares of land, with the steel plant housing 44 production units spread across 800 hectares and featuring over 10,000 housing units, of which only 3,000 to 4,000 are currently occupied.