Minister of state for defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria requires 200 million rounds of ammunition annually for its operations, costing the government at least two dollars per munition.
He disclosed this yesterday during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) vide 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 blamed past governments for the nation’s failure to achieve self sufficiency in defence production.
“We have been travelling around 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, inshallah.
“Therefore, I promise 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 are prayers and dedication. We shall look at it as our baby, not just for me but for all of us. Of course, if today we are doing even 60 or 70% reductions of our military hardware and ammunition, how much is the ministry or the military spending every year? The military requires 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”.
The executive vice chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the signing of the MoU marked a significant milestone in strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities and achieving self-reliance in producing military hardware.
He said the partnership between NASENI and the Ministry of Defence is a testament to the nation’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s scientific and engineering expertise in the service of national defence.
“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 manufacturing, we are well positioned to contribute meaningfully to the establishment of the MIC.
“Our goal is to create a robust ecosystem that not only supports the needs of the armed forces but also fosters the growth of the local industries, thereby reducing our dependencies on imports”.
He reiterated that the Military Industrial Complex will serve as a hub for the development and production maintenance of military equipment, ranging from small arms to advanced defence systems.
“By leveraging NASENI’s expertise in material science, robotics and advanced manufacturing, we ensure that our military is equipped with the best tools to defend our nation. This MOU represents the beginning of a long-term collaboration to enhance our defence capabilities through innovation and indigenous production.
It is our firm belief that through this partnership, we will lay the foundation of a self-reliant defence industry that can meet the needs of our armed forces and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth”, he said.
The Minister Of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, stated that the Ajaokuta Steel Plant provides a perfect platform for the Military Industrial Complex.
He said the Ajaokuta Steel sits on about 24,000 hectares of land, while the steel plant, which has 44 production units, sits on 800 hectares and has more than 10,000 housing units, of which only 3,000 to 4,000 are occupied.
“So 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 produce helmets, vests, rifles, bullets, and body parts for military tanks. So there are great opportunities for this initiative to dovetail into an MOU partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Steel Development to take this initiative further”.
