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 tools.
The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, disclosed in an announcement on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Chennar mentioned the initiative was designed to speed up Nigeria’s transition from dependence on imported navy {hardware} to indigenous manufacturing, know-how switch and industrial self-sufficiency.
He mentioned the organisation was in search of to carry authorities establishments, personal buyers, native producers, analysis organisations, and worldwide know-how 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 mentioned.
According to him, Nigeria has the human sources, technical experience and industrial potential to attain defence industrial independence by means of strategic investments and efficient partnerships.
According to him, the target was to maneuver past importing completed defence merchandise to creating the capability to design, manufacture, preserve and finally export navy tools.
He mentioned as a part of its worldwide enlargement drive, DICON-D7G lately participated in an exhibition in Qatar, the place it explored partnerships with international producers, buyers and know-how firms to facilitate know-how 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 mentioned.
He described the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) presently occurring in Lagos as an essential platform for connecting producers, buyers, know-how builders and different stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s defence industrial ambitions.
The assertion mentioned DICON-D7G is pursuing the acquisition of about 40,000 sq. metres of land in Lagos for the institution of a global exhibition centre.
It added that the proposed facility is anticipated to host worldwide defence exhibitions, industrial commerce gala’s, know-how showcases, manufacturing conferences and funding boards.
Chennar mentioned it would additionally present Nigerian producers with alternatives to show domestically developed merchandise.
“The proposed exhibition centre in Lagos will provide a permanent platform for international defence exhibitions, technology showcases and investment opportunities,” he mentioned.
According to him, the centre may also function a business asset able to producing income to assist the organisation’s long-term industrial targets.
On employment era, Chennar DICON-D7G is projecting 7,000 alternatives, comprising 2,000 positions for retired navy personnel and 5,000 for civilians.
He mentioned the retired personnel are anticipated to contribute their expertise in coaching, engineering, logistics, administration and venture administration, whereas civilian positions will cowl manufacturing, engineering, data know-how, analysis and improvement, expert trades and supporting companies.
“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 mentioned.
