The Federal Government has allocated N7,940,323,192 to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, aimed at enhancing the nation’s arms production capabilities.
Founded in 1963 to produce weapons domestically, DICON has faced scrutiny over its effectiveness, as Nigeria continues to depend significantly on foreign sources for arms and ammunition.
Previous administrations have pledged to revitalize the corporation, allocating substantial funds to increase local weapons production. However, the situation on the ground reflects a different reality.
From January to July 2024, the Federal Government invested no less than N63.6 billion on military equipment and ammunition for the Nigerian military and the National Security Adviser’s office. In a similar vein, N115 billion was spent on arms and ammunition imports in the first quarter of 2023.
The 2025 Appropriation Bill currently under review by the National Assembly outlines that personnel expenditures will total N2,958,154,534, with overhead costs at N774,174,124, and capital projects amounting to N4,207,994,534.
These capital allocations will fund multiple new initiatives to modernize DICON’s facilities. Among the key projects are:
– Repair and Replacement of Obsolete Electrical Equipment at DICON Ordnance Factory: N148 million
– Rehabilitation of DICON Explosive Factory Buildings in Jebba: N150 million
– Procurement of Raw Materials for Weapons Production: N295.8 million
– Procurement of Tools for Weapons Lines: N292.65 million
– Electrification of DICON Explosive Factory in Jebba: N180 million
Additional projects include an alternative power supply for DICON headquarters at N498.5 million, rehabilitation of access roads within the DICON industrial complex at N257.96 million, and upgrading security facilities at DICON factories and headquarters at N281.9 million.
Moreover, N155,321,929 has been allocated for the renovation of the weapons assembly workshop, N161,159,806 for establishing an effluent plant at the DICON ordnance factory, and N114,299,108 for constructing a blast-proof explosive research laboratory at the DICON research and development center.
