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The Matawalle Effect: Reviving DICON’s Strategic Role in Nigeria’s Defence Capabilities
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.
By Fabian Apechihin
The 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill has moved to the state level following its consideration by the National Assembly, paving the way for state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments.
The development comes amid renewed attention on constitutional reform and ongoing discussions over proposed changes to Nigeria’s governing framework.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over allegations surrounding borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi Agbese, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, rejected claims that Wike had undertaken borrowing without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese said the FCT minister could not independently create a sovereign borrowing obligation, stressing that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures.
“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.
He explained that borrowing to finance infrastructure was not unlawful where the required approvals and procedures had been followed.
“Borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful in itself, provided the prescribed approvals and procedures are followed,” he added.
The House spokesperson further argued that an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal borrowing, citing the scale of infrastructure projects being undertaken in Abuja under Wike.
According to Agbese, the key issue is whether the appropriate approvals were obtained for specific borrowing transactions, rather than simply whether the FCT’s overall debt profile has increased.
The comments come as scrutiny continues over public borrowing, infrastructure financing and the legal procedures governing government debt at both the federal and sub-national levels.
By Fabian Apechihin
The 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill has moved to the state level following its consideration by the National Assembly, paving the way for state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments.
The development comes amid renewed attention on constitutional reform and ongoing discussions over proposed changes to Nigeria’s governing framework.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over allegations surrounding borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi Agbese, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, rejected claims that Wike had undertaken borrowing without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese said the FCT minister could not independently create a sovereign borrowing obligation, stressing that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures.
“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.
He explained that borrowing to finance infrastructure was not unlawful where the required approvals and procedures had been followed.
“Borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful in itself, provided the prescribed approvals and procedures are followed,” he added.
The House spokesperson further argued that an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal borrowing, citing the scale of infrastructure projects being undertaken in Abuja under Wike.
According to Agbese, the key issue is whether the appropriate approvals were obtained for specific borrowing transactions, rather than simply whether the FCT’s overall debt profile has increased.
The comments come as scrutiny continues over public borrowing, infrastructure financing and the legal procedures governing government debt at both the federal and sub-national levels.
By Fabian Apechihin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its intention to contest the 2027 presidential election despite the decision of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The party said Wike’s decision was personal and did not alter its position to participate in the presidential election with its candidate, Senator Sandy Onor. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, made the clarification on Wednesday.
According to the party, a recent conversation between Wike and Onor should not be interpreted as a political negotiation between the minister and the PDP.
“He told Nigerians that Sandy is his friend. And they only had a friendly discussion within the umbrella of friendship. So, that is just a personal discussion between him and his friend,” Mohammed said.
He added that Wike’s support for Tinubu did not prevent the PDP from fielding candidates for the presidential, governorship and legislative elections.
Wike had earlier clarified that his support in 2027 was specifically for Tinubu’s presidential re-election and did not amount to an agreement that the PDP would withdraw from other electoral contests. He also said he never promised that the PDP would abandon its candidates for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.
“I said I will support the President from day one. I never told Mr President I will join APC,” Wike said.
The minister also maintained that his proposed Rainbow Coalition was not an arrangement with the All Progressives Congress (APC), but rather a platform through which politicians from different parties could mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election.
The issue has generated disagreement with some APC governors, who have expressed concern about a political arrangement that could affect the party’s candidates at other levels.
APC Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, said the governors would not support any alliance or arrangement that could weaken the APC or adversely affect its candidates.
Meanwhile, APC presidential campaign council spokesperson Ima Niboro has urged Wike and APC governors to end their public exchanges and concentrate on political mobilisation.
“When I said tone down the rhetoric, I do not mean stop working. Stop talking, go and work,” Niboro said.
He urged political leaders to strengthen their grassroots structures and engage directly with voters rather than continue exchanging statements in the media.
“All this shouting is not taking anybody anywhere. Go and work. Go and establish your authority on your political base,” he said.
2026 Constitution Amendment Bill Moves to States
2026 Constitution Amendment Bill Moves to States
2027: PDP Insists on Presidential Contest Despite Wike’s Support for Tinubu
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