Tinubu Orders Mass Production Of BAT-1 Assault Rifles For Nigerian Armed Forces, Repositions DICON As Africa’s Leading Military Hardware Market

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to commence the mass production of the BAT-1 Specialized Assault Rifle for the Nigerian Armed Forces. This move is part of a broader strategy to reposition DICON as the leading market for military hardware in Africa.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary of DICON and the inaugural Africa Defence Industries Conference in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of DICON in Nigeria’s defense sector. He highlighted the potential for DICON to leverage private sector innovations and technologies to boost indigenous defense production.

“My passion for seeing the rapid growth of DICON and Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex motivated me to sign the DICON Act 2023 into law within my first six months in office,” Tinubu stated. He noted that industrialization and innovation, though capital-intensive, are crucial for national growth, and his administration is committed to investing significantly in DICON to ensure it meets its 2030 roadmap goals.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu elaborated on the advancements at DICON, including the establishment of modern automated production lines for various categories of ammunition, armored vehicles, drones, and unmanned ground vehicles. These innovations, he said, will equip the Nigerian Armed Forces with advanced tools to address contemporary security challenges.

The introduction of the BAT-1 Assault Rifle, along with its dedicated production line, is a significant step in addressing small arms proliferation while enhancing the fighting capabilities of Nigerian security operatives. Tinubu also highlighted plans for a state-of-the-art micro motherboard processing facility, which will support robotics and artificial intelligence innovations, fueled by resources from the newly inaugurated lithium development plant in Nasarawa State.

The President emphasized that expanding production capabilities and enhancing research and development efforts at DICON will create jobs, develop human capital, and stimulate economic growth. He announced plans to establish a tech hub and R&D lab in Abuja to attract young talent and foster a culture of innovation in Nigeria’s defense industry.

“I am pleased with the progress towards establishing our first unmanned aerial and land vehicle automated production lines,” Tinubu continued. He stressed that these advancements would significantly impact Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

Underlining the importance of national security, Tinubu reiterated that his administration prioritizes a holistic approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. The signing of the DICON Act 2023 marks a new era for DICON, positioning it as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex. This legislation provides a robust framework for driving strategic objectives in defense manufacturing and technology while supporting the modernization of the Armed Forces to tackle national and regional security issues.

The Maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference, according to Tinubu, serves as a platform for forging strategic partnerships to enhance capabilities and promote regional security. He invited international partners to collaborate with Nigeria in building a safer and more prosperous Africa.

The event also featured remarks from the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who praised DICON’s legacy of resilience and innovation over the past 60 years. He noted that the recent enactment of the DICON Act 2023 empowers the corporation to operate with greater autonomy and efficiency, positioning it for even greater contributions to Nigeria’s defense sector in the future.

The conference was attended by key dignitaries, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, and Commandants of Military and Tri-Service Institutions.