In a major stride toward bolstering Nigeria’s defense capabilities and advancing self-reliance in military hardware production, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). The MoU, signed on August 14, 2024, marks a significant step in the establishment of a Military Industrial Complex (MIC) in Nigeria, aiming to revolutionize the country’s defense infrastructure through indigenous innovation and technological advancement.
During the signing ceremony, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, underscored the critical importance of the MIC, describing it as not merely a strategic initiative but a national imperative. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to address emerging global security threats with homegrown solutions, stating, “Today, we are embarking on a journey that will redefine Nigeria’s defense landscape and secure our nation’s future.”
The new Military Industrial Complex is envisioned to become a central hub for the development, production, and maintenance of military equipment, ranging from small arms to advanced defense systems. NASENI’s proven expertise in research, development, and manufacturing positions the agency as a key player in this initiative, which aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign imports and foster the growth of local industries.
“This MoU represents the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing our defense capabilities through innovation and indigenous production,” Halilu continued. “Our goal is to ensure that our military is equipped with the best tools to defend our nation, and through this partnership, we will lay the foundation for a self-reliant defense industry that will also contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.”
Halilu expressed gratitude to the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and the entire Ministry for their steadfast support and confidence in NASENI. He vowed to work diligently to turn the vision of a Nigerian Military Industrial Complex into a reality, stating, “We owe it to our nation, to our Armed Forces, and to the generations yet unborn.”
The MoU signing was witnessed by key stakeholders, including the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, and senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. This partnership is expected to elevate Nigeria’s defense capabilities, contributing not only to national security but also to economic development.
