DICON to Begin Local Gunpowder Production in 2026, Strengthens Defence Manufacturing Drive

 

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) says it will commence local production of gunpowder by August 2026 as part of efforts to deepen indigenous capacity in weapons and ammunition manufacturing.

Director-General of DICON, Major-General Babatunde Alaya, made the disclosure in Abuja during the launch of the 2026 Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX).

Alaya said local production of gunpowder had become imperative, describing it as a critical component in ammunition manufacturing. He revealed that DICON currently produces about 30 million rounds of ammunition annually and is working to reduce dependence on imported inputs.

“Before now, we imported some gunpowder, but we have signed a memorandum of understanding with one of our international partners. In about eight months, we will start producing gunpowder in Nigeria,” he stated.

He added that the agency had expanded its partnerships with local and foreign firms to boost its production profile.

According to him, DICON has signed agreements for the production of marine-shaped charges used in marine exploration, and is collaborating with firms such as G7G for the assembly of completely knocked-down weapon parts. Local manufacturers of mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles and personnel carriers, including Proforce, are also part of the corporation’s growing network.

Speaking on AFRIDEX 2026, scheduled to hold from October 26 to 29 in Lagos, Alaya described the exhibition as a major platform expected to attract global defence, security and technology stakeholders.

He said the event, being positioned as Africa’s premier defence and security exhibition, would showcase advanced solutions for the continent’s evolving security challenges and promote high-level collaboration among governments, security agencies, research institutions and private investors.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for the initiative, saying enhanced local production would reduce reliance on dollar-denominated defence imports and ease pressure on the naira.

“Before now, we took our money abroad to purchase arms and ammunition, facilitated through foreign currencies. This is a long-term plan supported by Mr President, and we have the local manufacturers to drive this vision,” Matawalle said.

He expressed confidence that the development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition of growing Nigeria’s economy to $1.1 trillion.

President of DMG Events, Christopher Hudson, said Nigeria was chosen to host AFRIDEX because of its rising defence industrial capacity and economic significance. He noted that more than 30,000 participants, 100 countries and 500 companies are expected at the four-day exhibition.

Hudson added that Africa’s defence spending—estimated at $52 billion—is expanding into maritime, cyber and space domains, making AFRIDEX a timely platform for collaboration and capability development.

The initiative aligns with the DICON Act 2023, which empowers the corporation to regulate the defence industrial sector, promote research and development, and deepen both local and international partnerships.