The Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, has visited the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Ordnance Factory in Kakuri, Kaduna, as part of efforts to build up Nigeria’s local defence production capacity and reduce reliance on foreign military hardware.
The visit included a tour of the Corporation’s production and research facilities, where the CDS was briefed by Director General DICON, Major General BI Alaya, on the factory’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future plans. General Oluyede inspected key production lines and received updates on efforts to expand local output and support the Armed Forces.
At DICON’s Research and Development facility, several indigenous products were put on display for the CDS. He commended the management and workforce for their commitment to advancing the country’s defence technology and manufacturing base.
General Oluyede said the Federal Government’s renewed push for local defence production is key to improving operational readiness, cutting dependence on foreign equipment, conserving foreign exchange and securing sustainable logistics for the military.
He reaffirmed Defence Headquarters’ commitment to helping DICON grow into a world class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the needs of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, calling local production a strategic priority for a more self sufficient military.
The CDS was accompanied on the visit by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General OT Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General ASM Wase, and other senior officers.
By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed
