The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity during a strategic visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory (ORDFAC) in Kakuri, Kaduna.
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As part of ongoing efforts to enhance Nigeria’s self-reliance in military equipment production, General Oluyede toured DICON’s production and research facilities, where he received detailed briefings on the corporation’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future expansion plans from the Director-General of DICON, Major General BI Alaya.
The CDS inspected key production lines and was updated on initiatives aimed at expanding local defence manufacturing to improve operational support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
During the visit, General Oluyede also inspected DICON’s Research and Development facilities, where several locally developed defence products were showcased. He commended the management and workforce of the corporation for their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s indigenous defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.
According to the CDS, the Federal Government’s renewed focus on local defence production is critical to enhancing operational readiness, reducing dependence on foreign military hardware, conserving foreign exchange and ensuring sustainable logistics support for the Armed Forces.
General Oluyede reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ unwavering support for DICON’s transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the operational needs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.
He stressed that strengthening local defence production remains a strategic priority in building a resilient, self-sufficient and technologically advanced military capable of addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.
The visit, he noted, reflects the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment under his leadership to promoting innovation, supporting indigenous research and development, and advancing Nigeria’s defence industrialisation agenda.
The CDS was accompanied on the visit by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General OT Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General ASM Wase, and other senior military officers.
