Nigeria on path to becoming superpower in production of military equipment, says CDS

• In spite of the drawback, General Musa expressed optimism at the resumption of production of military equipment saying the Nigerian military is now making the small calibre of weapons directly

Nigeria is poised to become a major player in military equipment production, according to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

The Nigerian military has begun producing small-calibre weapons directly, General Musa revealed on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

General Musa expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future in military equipment production, citing the signing of the DICON Bill as a crucial step towards sustainability.

“Sometimes we gain traction and then it goes down, but now, with the signing of the DICON Bill, we are going to make sure it is sustainable. People are interested, people are coming in, we are having a lot of partners going into it and I can assure you that in a few years, Nigeria too will be a superpower in producing its own equipment.”

Nigeria’s military previously produced some of its weapons at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), but production slowed down over the years.

However, General Musa noted that production has resumed, with the military now assembling guns from DICON and producing its own ammunition.

“We used to assemble guns from DICON but it stopped, that is being restored now. We produce our own ammunition now. Directly we do that for small calibre 7.62mm, we do that and 9mm, we also do that.”

General Musa emphasized Nigeria’s desire to produce higher-calibre weapons, citing Brazil’s success in producing unmanned aircraft and submarines as a benchmark.

The local production of military equipment is expected to create employment opportunities for youths and improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange.

Additionally, General Musa stated that the military can now sell locally produced equipment to neighbouring countries, generating revenue.

The Federal High Court Abuja’s proscription of the Lakurawa sect as a terrorist organization has provided the military with “legal backing” to combat them.

General Musa noted that some foreign-purchased weapons, like the Super Tucano, can now be used against the sect due to the proscription.