Towards boosting local production and manufacturing of military hardware and equipment in the country, the Ministry of Defence has signed a memorandum of understanding with three foreign companies to work in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
One of the companies, Sur Incorporated of Turkey which is to establish a factory for the production of Military and Para-military Clothing and Accessories in Kaduna will operate in a joint venture programme of 50/50 per cent partnership under an MOU
Defence Minister, Mansur Muhammad Dan Ali who stated this at the presentation of the Full Business Case (FBC) Compliance Certificate by ICRC (Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission) to DICON in Abuja, noted that the MOU covers the production of accoutrements (uniforms and ancillaries) and the manufacturing of small arms as well as other military hardware.
His words, “Over the years, it is regrettable that Nigeria has relied heavily on importation of not only military hard wears and ammunitions but also clothing and accessories.
“Decades of existence of DICON have not significantly achieved the desire to change the Nation’s fortune in this regard.
Dan Ali assured that the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to reposition the Armed Forces of Nigeria to effectively perform its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
“The Government is therefore committed to the task of establishing a functional Military Industrial Complex that will provide indigenous support for adequate kitting and equipping of the Armed Forces” he said.
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Noting that the issuance of the ‘Full Business Case Compliance Certificate’ for this project has lend credence to the potential of the project to herald the revival of a once thriving sector in Nigeria, the minister said, “Once completed, the venture is expected to sufficiently meet the accoutrement needs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other uniformed Paramilitary organizations.
“This will further help in creating direct and indirect job opportunities for the teeming youth in the country as well as conserving our foreign exchange”.
He appreciated ‘our strategic partners, the ICRC’ for its wonderful and painstaking efforts that led to this formal presentation of the Certificate.
“Messrs Sur Corporate-wear of Turkey is also appreciated for the Company’s interest in Nigeria and abiding fate in this collaborative effort” adding, “I want to assure you that this Ministry will set in motion all other necessary steps that will facilitate the full take-off of project”.
In his address, the Director General of ICRC, Engr. Chidi Izua disclosed that the certificate of full business compliance was issued for the joint venture project because it will not only provide direct jobs of over 1, 005 Nigerians, the Sur Corporation was investing N100million into building the factory and providing equipment.
Engr. Izua said the project would also attract and investment capital of over N4billion into the country when it takes off as the sub region and the African continent would key into the world class production of uniforms and accoutrements for which the Turkish corporation is renown.
On his part, Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation, Major General Bamidele Ogunkale expressed optimism that with the PPP venture with Sur Corporation, production of qualitative and long lasting uniforms and accessories for military and Para-military personnel will enhance Forces Administration.
“Forces administration entails availability of good uniforms for military duties, training, operation and one that can stand any weather, terrain and gives morale to military personnel.
He further explained that while providing a share capital of N100million, the federal government of Nigeria was providing the land and other commitments that would ensure a smooth partnership.
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