Abuja: The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zumach and Associates Limited to initiate the local production of armoured vehicles, weapons, and other military equipment. This agreement aims to enhance Nigeria’s defence-industrial capacity by fast-tracking the production of critical systems such as tanks, Mines Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, and various armaments.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, highlighted that this partnership is possible due to the recent signing of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu. This act has opened new avenues for collaboration between DICON and both local and international defence manufacturers. Alaya emphasized the mandate and freedom provided by the DICON Act, allowing for innovation and production of military equipment within Nigeria. He acknowledged the support from the President, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs, attributing the success of this initiative to their belief in the vision.
Alaya further stated that DICON and its partners are set to commence work immediately, with joint teams focusing on everything from raw-material processing to final assembly and testing. The Managing Director of Zumach and Associates, Mr. Chris Ezumah, expressed that the partnership would enhance Nigeria’s defence autonomy and enable large-scale production capabilities. Ezumah pledged commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and accountability, viewing the agreement as a responsibility to uphold.
Zumach’s Director of Operations, Mrs. Chrital Ezumah, noted that the company has already supplied over 600 armoured capsules under similar programs globally. She assured that all vehicles in the new partnership are designed for full local manufacturing, ready to begin immediately. Ezumah described the signing as the start of “shared work, strategic discipline, and purposeful implementation,” aiming to fortify Nigeria’s defence manufacturing base and decrease reliance on foreign imports. She reiterated the commitment to collaborate closely with DICON to deliver superior military equipment that meets both national and regional security needs.