John Shiklam in Kaduna
DICON-D7G is planning to develop native defence manufacturing to draw funding and create 7,000 job alternatives for retired navy personnel and civilians as a part of efforts to scale back Nigeria’s dependence on imported navy gear.
The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, disclosed in an announcement on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Chennar stated the initiative was designed to speed up Nigeria’s transition from dependence on imported navy {hardware} to indigenous manufacturing, expertise switch and industrial self-sufficiency.
He stated the organisation was in search of to deliver authorities establishments, personal buyers, native producers, analysis organisations, and worldwide expertise companions collectively to strengthen the nation’s defence industrial capability.
“Our ambition is to move Nigeria from dependence on imported military equipment to a country that can increasingly manufacture, maintain and sustain its own defence requirements,” he stated.
According to him, Nigeria has the human assets, technical experience and industrial potential to realize defence industrial independence by way of strategic investments and efficient partnerships.
According to him, the target was to maneuver past importing completed defence merchandise to growing the capability to design, manufacture, preserve and finally export navy gear.
He stated as a part of its worldwide enlargement drive, DICON-D7G not too long ago participated in an exhibition in Qatar, the place it explored partnerships with international producers, buyers and expertise corporations to facilitate expertise switch and strengthen native manufacturing.
“Our engagement with international partners is designed to encourage technology transfer, attract investment and build the technical capacity required to strengthen Nigeria’s defence industry,” Chennar stated.
He described the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) presently happening in Lagos as an necessary platform for connecting producers, buyers, expertise builders and different stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s defence industrial ambitions.
The assertion stated DICON-D7G is pursuing the acquisition of about 40,000 sq. metres of land in Lagos for the institution of a world exhibition centre.
It added that the proposed facility is anticipated to host worldwide defence exhibitions, industrial commerce gala’s, expertise showcases, manufacturing conferences and funding boards.
Chennar stated it is going to additionally present Nigerian producers with alternatives to show regionally developed merchandise.
“The proposed exhibition centre in Lagos will provide a permanent platform for international defence exhibitions, technology showcases and investment opportunities,” he stated.
According to him, the centre can even function a business asset able to producing income to assist the organisation’s long-term industrial targets.
On employment technology, Chennar DICON-D7G is projecting 7,000 alternatives, comprising 2,000 positions for retired navy personnel and 5,000 for civilians.
He stated the retired personnel are anticipated to contribute their expertise in coaching, engineering, logistics, administration and undertaking administration, whereas civilian positions will cowl manufacturing, engineering, info expertise, analysis and growth, expert trades and supporting providers.
“We are looking beyond military equipment production. We also want to create opportunities for retired military personnel and young Nigerians to contribute their skills to national development,” he stated.
