The Minister Of Defence (MOD) for State, Bello Matawalle said the Armed Forces of Nigeria requires 200 million rounds of ammunition annually for its operations. He made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during the signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Defense, Defence Industries Corporations of Nigeria (DICON) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering (NASENI) on the establishment of an ammunition production factory in Nigeria.
He said, “We have been travelling all over the world, and we see how local manufacturers are developing their countries. Unfortunately, Nigeria, for 60 years, has failed to build the institutions, but that has changed, and it will continue changing.
“Therefore, I make a promise to Mr. President that as far as MOD, before the expiration of his four years, I assure him that DICON will be exporting its military capabilities. Therefore, all we need from all of you is prayers and your dedication.
“If today we are producing 60 or 70 percent of our military hardware and ammunition, it will reduce the amount of money the ministry or the military is spending every year on procurement of hardwares and ammunition.
“The requirement of just the military is about 200 million rounds of ammunition per annum. Just military. Put together, other paramilitaries, the police, we’re looking at about 350 million rounds of ammunition per annum”
In his remarks, Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI Khalil Halilu said, “NASENI has always been at the forefront of promoting innovation and technological advancement across various sectors in Nigeria, and with our track record of success in research and development and manufacturing, we are well positioned to contribute meaningfully to the establishment of the Military Industrial Complex (MIC).
“Our goal is to create a robust ecosystem that does not only support the needs of the armed forces but also fosters the growth of the local industries, thereby reducing our dependence on imports.
“By leveraging NASENI’s expertise in areas such as material science, robotics and advanced manufacturing, we ensure that our military is well equipped with the best tools to defend our nation.”
The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, said the Ajaokuta Steel Plant could provide a perfect platform for the Military Industrial Complex.
He said, “It has the capacity to be able to withhold military barracks. There’s an engineering workshop in some of the production units there that can help to produce helmets, vests, rifles, bullets, and body parts for military tanks and the likes.”
According to him, the Ajaokuta steel plant sits on about 24,000 hectares of land, while the steel plant, which has 44 production units, sits on 800 hectares and also has more than 10,000 housing units, out of which only 3,000 to 4,000 are occupied.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, service chiefs and heads of security agencies.