The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, revealed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria need 200 million rounds of ammunition per year, costing $2 per munition. He emphasized the government’s commitment to building institutions for self-sufficiency in defence production, signing an MoU for an ammunition production factory in Nigeria.
The partnership between the Ministry of Defence, DICON, and NASENI aims to enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities and achieve self-reliance in military hardware production. NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, highlighted the importance of leveraging scientific and engineering expertise to establish a Military Industrial Complex. This complex will support the armed forces and local industries, reducing dependency on foreign imports.
The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, proposed utilizing the Ajaokuta Steel Plant for the Military Industrial Complex, emphasizing its capacity for military production. This collaboration signifies a long-term commitment to innovation, indigenous production, and economic growth in Nigeria’s defence industry.