The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Ministry of Defence and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) sign MoU to establish ammunition production facility in Nigeria. During the ceremony held on August 14, 2024, NASENI Executive Vice President Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu highlighted the importance of the Military Industrial Complex (MIC) not only as a strategic initiative but as a national imperative.
“During the ceremony held on August 14, 2024, NASENI Executive Vice President Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu highlighted the importance of the Military Industrial Complex (MIC) not only as a strategic initiative but as a national imperative.” the Executive Vice Chairman continued.
Things to consider:
- NASENI is a government agency based in Abuja dedicated to the development of products such as laptops, solar panels, solar cells, mobile phones, etc.
- Halilu has repeatedly stated that the only way for Nigeria to achieve real development is to establish a sound industrial production base and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on importing goods, technologies and services from other nations.
- NASENI often enters into MoUs to promote industrialization either with state governments, Nigerian companies or foreign companies.
- The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) entered into a similar agreement with the Nasarawa State Government and Bobtrack Tractors, a division of Saint Bob Motors Limited to commence manufacturing and assembly of tractors in the North-Central geopolitical zone.
- As mentioned in another article, Nigeria is currently the largest importer of military equipment in sub-Saharan Africa.
- The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has announced that the Nigerian Armed Forces require an annual supply of 200 million rounds of ammunition to effectively carry out its operations.
- Another NASENI project is the factory for the production of solar cells in the state of Nasarawa.
- The recent DICON Act 2023 requires priority to be given to nationally manufactured weapons.
