DICON @ 56: Minister Commissions Weapons, Ammunition Production Lines

The Minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi, yesterday commissioned the refurbished weapons and ammunition production lines of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in Kaduna as part of activities to mark its 56th anniversary.

The production lines were part of the landmark projects recently undertaken to enhance the capacity of the corporation including the special equipment factory used for production of ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, uniforms and other defence related equipment.

The minister expressed delight that DICON has been able to produce Nigeria’s first indigenous Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAP), mine sweepers as well as other armoured and soft skin vehicles.

While pledging that the ministry would continue to support strategic partnerships with the corporation, he reminded the armed forces to procure uniforms from DICON by 2021 from DICON-SUR Corporate Wears Nigeria limited.

He acknowledged the progress made by the corporation in the area of reactivating the moribund explosive factory in Jebba, saying, “Knowing that DICON cannot do it alone, the MOD will continue to support such strategic partnerships.”

He paid tribute to the founding fathers of the nation for their foresight in establishing DICON which he said played a critical role in the resolution of the Nigerian civil war.

The Director-General, DICON, Major General Victor Ezugwu, said the corporation had commenced production of ammunition, protective garments, Ezugwu MRAP, COVID-19 items among others.

He assured the minister that DICON would step up vigorously on its mandate to enhance military equipment production capabilities.