The Federal Government has earmarked N7.94 billion for the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria in the 2025 Appropriation Bill to enhance the country’s capacity for local arms production.
Founded in 1963 to produce weapons domestically, DICON has faced criticism for underperformance, as Nigeria continues to depend largely on foreign suppliers for its arms and ammunition.
Despite repeated promises from successive administrations to overhaul the corporation, the reliance on imported weaponry persists.
Between January and July 2024, the Federal Government expended at least N63.6 billion on acquiring military equipment and ammunition for the armed forces and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Furthermore, the nation spent N115 billion on arms imports in the first quarter of 2023.
An analysis of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, currently under review by the National Assembly, shows that N2.96 billion is allocated for personnel costs, N774.17 million for overhead expenses, and N4.2 billion for capital projects.
The capital budget includes initiatives aimed at upgrading DICON’s infrastructure. These projects feature:
Repair and replacement of outdated electrical systems at DICON Ordnance Factory (N148 million).
Rehabilitation of the Explosive Factory buildings in Jebba (N150 million).
Procurement of raw materials for weapons and ammunition production (N295.8 million).
Procurement of tools and equipment for ammunition lines (N292.65 million).
Electrification of the Explosive Factory in Jebba (N180 million).
Other notable projects include the provision of an alternative power supply for DICON headquarters at N498.5 million, rehabilitation of internal access roads within the industrial complex at N257.97 million, and security upgrades at factory complexes and headquarters at N281.9 million.
Additional allocations cover the renovation of the weapons assembly workshop (N155.32 million), establishment of an effluent plant at the ordnance factory (N161.16 million), and construction of a blast-proof explosive research laboratory at the research and development center (N114.3 million).
