Nigeria Times

As a teenager living in Kaduna in the 1990s, with an uncle who was a Colonel in the Nigerian Army, I was often puzzled by the annual Christmas gift we received from him—a bag of salt from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). Given my understanding that DICON stood for Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, I could not fathom why the organization was producing salt instead of military hardware. It struck me as an anomaly because DICON, established to be a leader in the production of weapons, arms, and ammunition, had not lived up to its intended purpose.

DICON was founded in 1964 as part of Nigeria’s defence establishment, with a focus on producing military and defence-related equipment to promote self-reliance in defence production. Additionally, DICON was expected to engage in research and development to innovate and advance Nigeria’s defence technologies. However, it is an undeniable fact that DICON had not fully realized these mandates. Recently, under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, efforts were made to reinvigorate DICON and ensure it fulfils its foundational purpose.

In 2015, former President Buhari directed the Ministry of Defence to develop a clear and measurable strategy for enhancing Nigeria’s security industrialization. This was part of his broader vision to re-engineer DICON to meet the nation’s military hardware and logistical needs. In 2019, the President launched the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle produced by DICON, a notable first in the country’s history. Furthermore, he mandated that all security agencies procure their uniforms and other kits exclusively from DICON.

These commendable initiatives laid the groundwork for DICON’s resurgence, aligning the organization with its original mandate. More recently, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, DICON has experienced an unprecedented revival, guided by the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle MON.

Nations worldwide place a high premium on their ability to defend against external threats, with self-sufficiency in security being a critical component. The United States, for instance, has several agencies dedicated to this cause. The Defense Logistics Agency handles the procurement and distribution of defence supplies, while the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC) focuses on developing and producing weapon systems, ammunition, and related technologies. Additionally, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is at the forefront of developing emerging military technologies.

This is the direction taken by serious nations committed to safeguarding their security. Germany’s Diehl Defence and the United Kingdom’s BAE Systems are similar examples in Europe. Nigeria, a nation rich in resources and blessed with a brilliant populace, should naturally be a leader in producing its own military hardware.

Domestic production of military hardware is fundamental to national security, as it ensures that a country has the necessary equipment and technology to defend itself against potential threats. By manufacturing these items locally, nations reduce their reliance on foreign suppliers who may refuse to sell to them, as was evident in Nigeria’s experience with the U.S. Senate during the purchase of Super Tucano fighter jets—a situation that was both embarrassing and a challenge to our sovereignty.

Imagine Nigeria facing a crisis without the local capability to produce essential military hardware; the consequences could be catastrophic. Therefore, having fully operational defence industries is critical for Nigeria’s responsiveness and resilience.

It is within this context that the current administration’s strategic military objectives, which seek to empower the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, are of paramount importance. Dr. Matawalle recently led DICON in signing a significant Memorandum of Understanding with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to establish a factory for producing arms and ammunition for the Nigerian Armed Forces. This achievement is far from trivial. The establishment of this factory will save Nigeria at least $60 million in bullet purchases from abroad. This money can be redirected towards other critical investments within the Nigerian Defence establishment. Beyond the financial savings, this move signals a bold commitment to security self-reliance.

Dr. Bello Matawalle, a former Governor of Zamfara State, has firsthand experience in addressing security challenges at the state level. He understands the critical importance of equipping troops with the right tools to carry out their duties effectively. By reviving DICON and positioning it strategically as an agency capable of meeting Nigeria’s immediate security hardware needs, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence is ensuring that the corporation fulfils the purpose for which it was established.

Furthermore, the Honourable Minister has emphasized that DICON will be at the forefront of research and development to meet the technological needs of the security sector. This initiative will elevate the industry to the level of its peers, such as ARDEC in the United States and Diehl Defence in Germany. The broader implications for the economy are significant, as Nigeria could soon begin to export the technological products developed by DICON.

DICON holds immense potential, which must be fully harnessed. The industry is fortunate to have a Minister like Dr. Matawalle MON overseeing its operations. To maximize the value of this potential, the Honourable Minister must continue to provide unwavering support to the industry. The current focus on production capacity, partnerships, and research and development must be sustained to achieve meaningful impact. I also recommend that the Minister ensure DICON expands its product range to include specialized equipment that addresses both current and emerging security challenges.

Finally, DICON must build a robust supply chain to ensure consistent access to high-quality materials and components, with an emphasis on local sourcing. This approach will stimulate Nigeria’s local economies, create jobs, and promote technological innovation that will benefit other sectors.

Nathaniel C. Adoji, a public affairs analyst and commentator writes from Kaduna.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed that his reforms in the power sector have led to an increase of over 1,000MW in the national grid’s capacity within his first year in office. However, he also revealed that he has been receiving threatening calls from unknown individuals who are opposed to the progress being made.

Speaking on Fresh FM’s ‘Political Circuit’ program on Saturday, Adelabu mentioned that a powerful cartel is sabotaging the sector. He highlighted that it is not ordinary citizens but organized groups that are responsible for acts such as blowing up power transmission substations and pulling down power lines.

Adelabu, who is the 49th Minister of Power in Nigeria, emphasized that despite the resistance, he is committed to overcoming these challenges. He pointed out that, under his leadership, electricity generation has increased from 4,000MW to 5,155MW as of August 8, 2024. He set a goal of reaching 6,000MW by the end of the year with the Federal Government’s support.

The Minister also stressed the importance of energy consumers paying their bills, noting that this is essential for the sustainability of the improvements in the power sector. He argued that, when compared to the high costs of running generators, Nigerians can afford their energy bills, regardless of the price.

President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja today, August 19, 2024, for a trip to Paris, France, marking his first official use of Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential jet. This was confirmed in a statement by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, on Sunday night.

While details of Tinubu’s engagements in France remain undisclosed, it was noted that the President would return to Nigeria after a brief working visit.

This trip follows the recent release of the Airbus A330, one of three presidential jets that had been detained in France due to a legal dispute. The Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Limited, which was involved in the dispute, released the jet as a goodwill gesture to facilitate President Tinubu’s visit to France.

The Airbus A330, now designated as Nigeria’s Airforce One with the registration number 5N-NGA, landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday evening. The aircraft was received by the Presidential Air Fleet, led by Air Vice Marshal Olayinka Olusola.

Purchased for over $100 million, the Airbus A330 is a significant upgrade from the previously used 19-year-old B737-700 (BBJ), which had raised safety and cost concerns. The deal for the new jet was brokered by L & L International LLC, an aviation firm based in Miami, Florida, following recommendations from the House of Representatives’ National Security and Intelligence Committee.

An Evening with the Governor,” Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for private investors as a strategy to drive economic growth and development in the state. The engagement, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure, was organized by the group “Friends of Lucky” and aimed at strengthening partnerships between the government and private sector stakeholders.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the private sector is not only essential for economic growth but also a crucial partner in effective governance. He assured the audience of the administration’s continued support for private investments, highlighting ongoing efforts to make Ondo State more business-friendly. This includes initiatives like the establishment of the Ondo State Investment and Development Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) to improve the ease of doing business.

Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged the late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s role in laying the groundwork for many of these initiatives, particularly the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub at the Ore Industrial Park, a successful collaboration with China’s Linyi Province that has significantly boosted the state’s economy.

The governor expressed confidence in the state’s abundant resources, including fertile agricultural land, mineral wealth, and a dynamic youth population, which he believes will attract and sustain private investments. He assured potential investors of the state’s safety, peaceful environment, and streamlined business processes facilitated by dedicated agencies.

Guest speakers at the event, Dr. Abiola Oshodi and Chief Alex Ajipe, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in revitalizing industries and advancing the state’s economy. The event’s convener, Bankole Joseph Betiku, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the role of the private sector in fostering sustainable economic growth and good governance in Ondo State. The event aimed to spark valuable collaborations and innovative solutions for the state’s future development.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant drug-related arrests and seizures in recent operations across Nigeria, targeting international drug traffickers and large shipments of illicit substances.

Key Arrests and Seizures:

1. Paul Okwuy Mbadugha Arrested:

• Location: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
• Details: The 54-year-old businessman, Paul Okwuy Mbadugha, was arrested after testing positive for ingesting cocaine. He excreted 88 wraps of cocaine, weighing 1.71 kg, over four days under observation. Mbadugha, bound for Vietnam via Qatar Airways, claimed he was offered $2,000 to deliver the cocaine.

1. Drug Seizure in Lagos:

• Location: Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
• Details: NDLEA intercepted 800 grams of “Loud,” a synthetic strain of cannabis, hidden in noodles destined for Congo. A follow-up operation at Alaba International Market led to the arrest of Nnamani Sunday Sunny, the sender, who deals in GSM handsets.

1. Large Consignment of Cannabis:

• Location: Lagos Airport.
• Details: NDLEA seized 65.80 kg of “Loud” cannabis concealed in six suitcases arriving from Canada on an Air France flight. Desalu Taophic Temitope, who transported the drugs, was arrested. He confessed that he was promised $10,000 for the successful delivery.

1. Codeine Syrup Seizure:

• Location: Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State.
• Details: NDLEA, in collaboration with Nigeria Customs, intercepted 892,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup, valued at over N6.2 billion, shipped from India. The bottles, packed in 5,337 cartons, were found in five containers.

1. Cannabis Farm Raid:

• Location: Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
• Details: A joint operation by NDLEA, Nigerian Army, and local security destroyed 21,800 kg of cannabis sativa spread over 20 hectares of farmland.

1. Drug Interceptions Across Nigeria:

• Locations: Kwali-Gwagwalada Expressway (Abuja), Kontagora (Niger State), and Lokoja (Kogi State).
• Details: NDLEA officers seized 30,000 ampoules of pentazocine, arrested multiple suspects with large quantities of tramadol and pentazocine injections, and confiscated pills concealed in various items like loudspeakers.

These operations highlight NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking within and outside Nigeria, targeting both local distributors and international drug couriers. The agency continues to work in coordination with other security bodies to combat the spread of narcotics across the country

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