The Federal Government has inaugurated the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria Institute of Technology in Kaduna as part of efforts to strengthen local defense production and reduce the country’s reliance on imported military technology.
The Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, performed the inauguration on Wednesday at the DICON headquarters, describing the new institution as a major step towards building Nigeria’s capacity to produce critical defense equipment and develop the skilled workforce needed to support the nation’s security.
According to Matawalle, Nigeria has relied heavily on foreign countries for key defense capabilities over the years, leaving the country exposed to strategic challenges. He said the establishment of the institute reflects the Federal Government’s determination to build a strong military industrial base driven by local expertise and innovation.
He explained that the institute was created to support Nigeria’s goal of achieving greater self reliance in defense production while strengthening the country’s indigenous defense industry.
The minister commended the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Alaya, alongside the corporation’s board, management and staff, for their efforts in repositioning the organization to play a leading role in Nigeria’s military industrial development.
Matawalle also described the institute as a platform that would encourage innovation not only in defense manufacturing but also in the wider industrial sector. He urged the institution’s management and academic staff to pursue excellence and build strong partnerships with universities, research institutions and industry players to develop practical technologies that would benefit the country.
He further assured DICON of the Federal Government’s continued support through policy direction, funding and other necessary backing in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the event, the minister also inaugurated the Yakusak 240 kilowatt solar inverter system with a 343 kilowatt hour energy storage facility to provide reliable and sustainable electricity for DICON’s operations.
Earlier, the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Alaya, described the inauguration of the institute as the realization of a long standing vision to develop the skilled manpower needed to support Nigeria’s growing military industrial sector.
He said the institution was established to address gaps in research, innovation, technological advancement and defense production, noting that sustainable industrial growth depends on developing local professionals capable of designing, operating and maintaining modern defense technologies.
Alaya explained that the institute would train engineers, technologists, technicians and other specialists in defense related fields while serving as a centre for research, innovation and technological development for the Armed Forces, other security agencies and the country’s manufacturing sector.
He added that the approval for DICON to jointly operate the institution with the National Board for Technical Education, as well as its recognition by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, has created an official academic pathway into Nigeria’s defense industry.
According to him, the institute will form part of DICON’s broader transformation agenda through continuous funding, research collaborations and partnerships with the corporation’s factories and joint venture companies to ensure that research outcomes are converted into practical solutions.
Alaya expressed confidence that the institution would grow into a leading center for defense technology education, applied research and innovation while producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and creativity required to strengthen Nigeria’s defense manufacturing capacity.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the DICON Act 2023 into law, describing the legislation as a turning point that expanded the corporation’s mandate and created fresh opportunities for local defense production, technology transfer and strategic partnerships.
The DICON chief further thanked the Minister of Defense, the Minister of State for Defense, the Chief of Defense Staff, the Service Chiefs, members of the DICON Board, management, staff and stakeholders from the defense industry and academic community for supporting the successful establishment of the institute.
The inauguration was attended by senior military officers, retired generals, members of the DICON Board and management, as well as representatives from the defense industry and academic institutions.
The launch of the institute comes as the Federal Government continues to promote local production of military equipment and technology following the implementation of the DICON Act 2023, which broadened the corporation’s responsibilities to support indigenous defense manufacturing, research, technology transfer and strategic partnerships.
