A former Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), retired Maj.-Gen. Bankole Ogunkale, has urged the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of the DICON Act.
Ogunkale who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, said would help strengthen Nigeria’s defence industrial capacity.
He also said the full implementation of the Act would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported military hardware and conserve scarce foreign exchange.
According to him, increased defence spending should translate into greater investment in indigenous production rather than continued reliance on foreign manufacturers.
He notes that Nigeria had become a major market for foreign defence companies because of its security challenges and growing defence requirements.
The retired general said local production would guarantee timely supply of military equipment and ensure products were tailored to Nigeria’s operational environment.
“Locally manufactured ammunition is fresher, safer and more cost-effective than imported stock, which often has shorter remaining shelf life,” he said.
Ogunkale recalled that DICON significantly reduced the cost of ammunition after commencing local production during his tenure.
He cited an incident in which defective imported ammunition reportedly exploded during training at the Nigerian Defence Academy, nearly costing a foreign cadet his eyesight.
He said the incident reinforced the need for Nigeria to prioritize local production of critical military equipment.
According to him, some imported armored vehicles are designed for temperate climates and performed poorly in the harsh conditions of the Sahel.
He added that Nigeria had acquired the technical experience to specify equipment suitable for its terrain, including engines, suspension systems, armor protection and run-flat tyres.
Ogunkale further said that the country possessed institutions and industries capable of supporting indigenous defence production if properly coordinated.
He listed DICON, the Air Force Institute of Technology, Nigerian Defence Academy, Nigerian Army University Biu and Nigerian Machine Tools among strategic national assets.
The retired general also proposed the establishment of a Nigerian Military-Industrial Complex to coordinate defence research, innovation, manufacturing and technology transfer.
He further advocated appointing a retired senior military officer to coordinate implementation of the DICON Act and report directly to the President.
According to him, effective coordination will ensure defence industries, universities and research institutions work towards meeting the Armed Forces’ long-term capability requirements.
“This approach will strengthen national security, create jobs, promote technology transfer and reduce dependence on foreign military suppliers.(NAN).
