By Ada Nkong
The Minister of state for Defence Dr Bello Matawalle says entry into partnership with NASENI for production of military hardware will save Nigeria High Cost of importation of ammunition
The Minister said this during the signing of an MOU with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure towards the establishment of an ammunition production factory in Ajaokuta,Nigeria.
Matawalle estimated that the military requires at least 200 million rounds of ammunition annually for its operation with other forces like paramilitary and the police using an additional over 100 million which he says adds up to several million dollars given the high cost of importation, an expense that will be reduced greatly by local production.
According to him:
“We have been travelling all over the world, and we see how local manufacturers are developing their countries. But unfortunately, Nigeria, for 60 years, has failed to build the institutions but that has changed and it will continue changing, inshallah.
“Therefore, I make a promise to Mr. President that as far as MOD, before the expiration of his four years, I assure him that DICON will be exporting its military capabilities”.
The Executive VicChairman,NASENI Khalil Suleiman Halilu speaking at the event said the signing of the MOU is a significant milestone in strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities.
He gave assurance that fhe Military Industrial Complex will serve as a hub for the development and production maintenance of military equipment, ranging from small arms and advanced defence systems.
“NASENI has always been at the forefront of promoting innovation and technological advancement across various sectors in Nigeria, and with our track record of success in research and development, manufacturing, we are well positioned to contribute meaningfully to the establishment of the MIC.
“Our goal is to create a robust ecosystem that does not only support the needs of the armed forces, but also foster growth of the local industries, thereby reducing our dependencies on foreign imports”.
“By leveraging NASENI’s expertise in areas such as material science, robotics and advanced manufacturing, we ensure that our military is well equipped with the best tools to defend our nation. This MOU represents the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing our defence capabilities through innovation and indigenous production”.
Also present at the signing was the Minister Of Steel development Shuaibu Audu who disclosed that the Ajaokuta Steel Plant provides a perfect platform for the Military Industrial Complex.
According to him, the Ajaokuta steel sits on about 24,000 hectares of land, while the steel plant, that has 44 production units, sits on 800 hectares. He also noted that there are more than 10,000 housing units, of which about only 3,000 to 4,000 is occupied leaving ample space for establishment of a military barracks in the area
” There’s an engineering workshop in some of the production units there that can help to produce helmets, vests, rifles, bullets, and body parts for military tanks and the likes. So there are great opportunities for this initiative to dovetail into an MOU partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Steel Development to take this initiative further”
The high point of the event was the signing of the MOU which incidentally coincided with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of DICON.
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