Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Zumach and Associates Limited to establish local production of armoured vehicles, military hardware, and weapon systems.
The agreement, formalised on Monday in Abuja, is expected to elevate the country’s defence production capabilities and fast-track the development of critical systems, including tanks, MRAPs, and various armoured vehicles. Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, DICON Director-General, described the collaboration as a milestone made possible by the DICON Act 2023, signed by President Bola Tinubu.
“The Act allows us the freedom to collaborate and innovate, producing military equipment domestically. This partnership reflects the commitment of the Presidency and military leadership to our defence-industrial vision,” Alaya said.
Zumach Managing Director Chris Ezumah emphasised that the partnership would enhance Nigeria’s self-reliance in defence production. Operations Director Chrital Ezumah noted that the firm’s designs, already in use globally, are fully adapted for local manufacturing and can be implemented immediately.
The initiative seeks to build a robust domestic defence sector, reduce import dependency, and deliver advanced military equipment capable of addressing both national and regional security challenges.
