By Miriam Humbe
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede has conducted a strategic visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory (ORDFAC), Kakuri, Kaduna, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous defence production capacity and enhance self-reliance in military equipment production.
Major General Samaila Uba, the Director, Defence Information disclosed this in a statement signed on Friday.
The visit featured a comprehensive tour of the Corporation’s production and research facilities, during which the CDS was briefed on DICON’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future development plans by the Director General DICON Maj Gen BI Alaya.
General Oluyede inspected key production facilities and received updates on the Corporation’s efforts to expand local defence manufacturing and improve operational support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The CDS also visited DICON’s Research and Development facilities, where several indigenous products were showcased.
General Oluyede commended the management and workforce of DICON for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s indigenous defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.
He noted that the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on local defence production is essential to improving operational readiness, reducing dependence on foreign military hardware, conserving foreign exchange and ensuring sustainable logistics support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The CDS reaffirmed Defence Headquarters’ unwavering commitment to supporting DICON’s transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He stressed that strengthening local defence production remains a strategic priority in building a more resilient, self-sufficient and technologically advanced military.
The visit underscores the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede to promoting innovation, encouraging indigenous research and development efforts towards achieving Nigeria’s defence industrialisation objectives.
The CDS was accompanied by the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy Maj Gen OT Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Maj Gen ASM Wase and other senior officers.
