By Rahmatullah Mahmud 
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has visited the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) headquarters in Kaduna, assessing the Defence Equipment Production Factory in a move to enhance the nation’s defence manufacturing capabilities. The visit is seen as part of a larger strategy to bolster Nigeria’s industrial self-reliance and reduce dependence on imports.
This initiative comes on the heels of a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASENI, the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and DICON. The agreement supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to strengthen the Naira and reduce foreign imports through the development of local production capacities.
The NASENI EVC expressed gratitude to the Director General of DICON, Major-General AE Edet, and his team for their warm reception. He emphasized the importance of the collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s goal of self-reliance, particularly in the defence sector.
“Our visit to DICON HQ underscores our commitment to supporting the nation’s drive toward local production. We are determined to reduce reliance on imports and contribute to building a stronger, more self-sufficient Nigeria,” the NASENI EVC stated.
The partnership between NASENI, MOD, and DICON is expected to catalyze a significant transformation in Nigeria’s manufacturing landscape, with the defence sector playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and enhancing national security.