John Shiklam in Kaduna
DICON-D7G is planning to develop native defence manufacturing to draw funding and create 7,000 job alternatives for retired army personnel and civilians as a part of efforts to cut back Nigeria’s dependence on imported army tools.
The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, disclosed in an announcement on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Chennar stated the initiative was designed to speed up Nigeria’s transition from dependence on imported army {hardware} to indigenous manufacturing, know-how switch and industrial self-sufficiency.
He stated the organisation was in search of to convey authorities establishments, non-public traders, native producers, analysis organisations, and worldwide know-how companions collectively to strengthen the nation’s defence industrial capability.
“Our ambition is to move Nigeria from dependence on imported military equipment to a country that can increasingly manufacture, maintain and sustain its own defence requirements,” he stated.
According to him, Nigeria has the human assets, technical experience and industrial potential to attain defence industrial independence via strategic investments and efficient partnerships.
According to him, the target was to maneuver past importing completed defence merchandise to creating the capability to design, manufacture, preserve and ultimately export army tools.
He stated as a part of its worldwide enlargement drive, DICON-D7G lately participated in an exhibition in Qatar, the place it explored partnerships with overseas producers, traders and know-how firms to facilitate know-how switch and strengthen native manufacturing.
“Our engagement with international partners is designed to encourage technology transfer, attract investment and build the technical capacity required to strengthen Nigeria’s defence industry,” Chennar stated.
He described the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) at present happening in Lagos as an necessary platform for connecting producers, traders, know-how builders and different stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s defence industrial ambitions.
The assertion stated DICON-D7G is pursuing the acquisition of about 40,000 sq. metres of land in Lagos for the institution of a global exhibition centre.
It added that the proposed facility is predicted to host worldwide defence exhibitions, industrial commerce gala’s, know-how showcases, manufacturing conferences and funding boards.
Chennar stated it would additionally present Nigerian producers with alternatives to show domestically developed merchandise.
“The proposed exhibition centre in Lagos will provide a permanent platform for international defence exhibitions, technology showcases and investment opportunities,” he stated.
According to him, the centre will even function a business asset able to producing income to assist the organisation’s long-term industrial targets.
On employment era, Chennar DICON-D7G is projecting 7,000 alternatives, comprising 2,000 positions for retired army personnel and 5,000 for civilians.
He stated the retired personnel are anticipated to contribute their expertise in coaching, engineering, logistics, administration and challenge administration, whereas civilian positions will cowl manufacturing, engineering, info know-how, analysis and growth, expert trades and supporting companies.
“We are looking beyond military equipment production. We also want to create opportunities for retired military personnel and young Nigerians to contribute their skills to national development,” he stated.
