President Tinubu Signs Groundbreaking DICON Bill Into Law, Revolutionising Nigeria’s Defence Sector
President Bola Tinubu has given his approval to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill (2023), ushering in a new era for the regulation and advancement of Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
The 2023 Act grants expanded powers to DICON, encompassing the oversight of the manufacturing, distribution, storage, and disposal of defence articles within the country.
Under the provisions of the DICON Act (2023), the corporation is authorized to not only operate and maintain subsidiaries but also to control ordnance factories.
These facilities will be responsible for the manufacturing, storage, and disposal of ordnance and related materials. Additionally, the Act paves the way for the establishment of the Defence Industry Technology, Research, and Development Institute.
This institute is envisioned to lay the groundwork for a sophisticated scientific and research-based technological infrastructure for Nigeria’s defence sector.
The Institute’s mandate involves harnessing comprehensive, multidisciplinary research from various military research institutes.
The aim is to apply this research towards commercialization and the development of innovative military technology and capacity.
Crucially, the Act empowers DICON to stimulate the creation of a nuanced financing structure.
This structure aims to attract private capital for research, development, and production in the defence sector, fostering a transparent and predictable environment.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, confirmed the president’s assent to the DICON Bill (2023) in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
Sponsored at the National Assembly by Hon. Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, the 2023 bill supersedes the revised DICON Act in Chapter 94 of the Laws of the Federation (2004).
Having been originally established on August 1, 1964, by an Act of Parliament, DICON’s enhanced powers and the establishment of the Defence Industry Technology, Research, and Development Institute mark a significant step forward in Nigeria’s pursuit of a robust and advanced defence infrastructure.
Source: PM News
