Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, revealed that the Nigerian military requires 200 million rounds of ammunition each year.
This figure shows the substantial demand for military resources and the associated financial burden, with each round costing approximately two dollars.
Matawalle’s comments followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Defence (MOD), represented by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
This agreement aims to establish an ammunition production facility in Nigeria.
The minister criticized previous administrations for failing to develop a self-sufficient defense industry, expressing optimism about the new initiative.
He assured that under his leadership, DICON would enhance its production capabilities and potentially export military equipment within the president’s term.
Matawalle spoke on the the importance of local production in reducing annual defense expenditures, which also include the needs of paramilitary forces and the police, amounting to about 350 million rounds annually.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, described the MoU as a key development in bolstering Nigeria’s defense sector and achieving independence in military hardware production.
He revealed NASENI’s role in advancing technological innovation and its readiness to support the new military industrial complex.
Halilu envisioned the partnership fostering a robust defense ecosystem that not only meets military needs but also supports local industry growth, reducing reliance on foreign imports.
The complex is expected to serve as a hub for developing and maintaining various military equipment, leveraging NASENI’s expertise in material science, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
Shuaibu Audu, Minister of Steel Development, added that the Ajaokuta Steel Plant could play a crucial role in the initiative.
With its extensive facilities and land, the plant has the potential to support the production of military equipment and infrastructure, aligning with the objectives of the new MoU.
