The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has taken a bold step toward transforming the nation’s defence landscape through a strategic partnership with international manufacturing firm D7G Limited. The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes DICON-D7G Nigeria Limited, a joint venture poised to revolutionise Nigeria’s military industrial complex and reduce reliance on foreign arms imports.
Osman Chennar, CEO of D7G, described the collaboration as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s defence sector. “This is more than a business move. It is about building capacity, creating jobs, and ensuring Nigeria becomes self-reliant in its defence production.” The joint venture will focus on ammunition manufacturing, arms assembly, and bomb production, not just for Nigeria but for the broader African market.
D7G brings to the table a global network of partners and access to state-of-the-art military technologies, while DICON contributes decades of experience in defence equipment production. This strategic balance of innovation and local expertise is expected to drive Nigeria’s defence capabilities forward.
A cornerstone of the partnership is technology transfer, enabling DICON to absorb and develop expertise in producing modern military hardware. Under the new arrangement, the joint venture will design and produce small arms, ammunition, and armoured vehicles using locally developed capabilities. This aligns with the DICON Act 2023, which calls for the development of a self-sufficient and sustainable military industrial complex in Nigeria.
Industry analysts view this move as a crucial step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign arms imports, particularly as the country faces growing national security challenges. Beyond defence, the venture is expected to stimulate economic growth by generating employment and nurturing advanced skills in engineering, manufacturing, and design.
Chennar emphasised that the new firm will serve as a platform for long-term industrial development, while also providing strategic support to regional security initiatives. “With DICON-D7G Nigeria Limited, we are not only making weapons—we are laying the foundation for technological sovereignty and industrial excellence.”
This collaboration reflects Nigeria’s broader push to localise production and modernise its defence infrastructure in line with global standards. As the joint venture takes shape, it could set a precedent for other African nations seeking to strengthen their defence capabilities through strategic partnerships and technological innovation.
