In a landmark move towards national defence industrial autonomy, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the EIB Group today signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at sustaining and expanding the production of Drones, Unmanned Aeriel Systems and other advanced military hardware and digital defense systems.
The ceremony, held at DICON Headquarters in Kaduna on 2 April 2026, marks a pivotal expansion of Nigeria’s defense industrial complex.
Under the terms of the agreement, the partnership will focus on the end-to-end domestic manufacturing of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Tactical Drones, Military Uniforms and Ballistic Gear, High-Grade Explosives, and other defence and security solutions.
This collaboration is a direct result of the DICON Act 2023, which transitioned the corporation from a traditional manufacturer into a strategic regulator and partner for private-sector innovation.
Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, Director General of DICON, described the partnership as a "technological leapfrog" for the Nigerian Armed Forces. He stated that "Our mission is clear: to ensure that the Nigerian soldier is supported by Nigerian-made technology," said Maj Gen Alaya.
"This MoU with EIB Group is not just about assembly; it is about core technology transfer. By producing our own drones and controlled software, we eliminate the 'black box' risks of foreign tech and ensure sovereign independence.
This is the 'DICON Evolution' in action—moving from dependency to high-tech self-sufficiency."
The EIB Group, a leading Nigerian conglomerate known for its high-security technology hubs, will provide the technical infrastructure and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) expertise required to scale production.
Beyond the battlefield, the partnership is projected to fostering a secondary market of local suppliers and SMEs.
By localizing production, Nigeria expects to significantly conserve foreign exchange reserves while positioning itself as a primary defense exporter within the ECOWAS sub-region.
"We extend our profound gratitude to the C- in- C Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership in signing the DICON Act 2023 into law," said Maj Gen BI Alaya.
"This legislative milestone has been the catalyst for everything we see here today; it broke the chains of bureaucracy and empowered DICON to engage in the kind of high-level private-sector partnerships necessary for modern warfare.
We also owe a debt of thanks to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen CG Musa (Rtd) OFR and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for their tireless oversight and for ensuring that DICON remains a priority in the national security agenda.
Furthermore, the synergy we enjoy today is a result of the unwavering support from the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff, whose operational requirements guide our production focus.
This MoU is a tribute to their collective commitment to a self-reliant Nigerian military.Dr. Bright Echefu, Chairman of EIB Group, emphasized the commitment to local talent and precision engineering.
"We are bringing the full weight of EIB Group’s innovation ecosystem to to collaborate with DICON," Dr. Echefu stated. "Our goal is to build a 'Defense Silicon Valley' right here in Nigeria.
Through our subsidiaries like Briech UAS and Poctova, we will not only produce the world-class drones and protective gear our troops deserve but also develop the proprietary software that powers modern battlefield intelligence.
This partnership proves that Nigerian engineers are ready to compete on the global stage."
The chairman added the collaboration promises to maintain production lines for tactical reconnaissance and payload-carrying drones, develop indigenous OEM software for secure, encrypted surveillance and intelligence gathering, expand local capacity for high-grade explosives and specialized military apparel to reduce the multi-billion naira annual import bill, promote a dedicated "Skills Transfer Program" to train hundreds of Nigerian technicians and engineers in advanced robotics and software development.
JAFIADA CHINDA
Captain
DICON Public Relation Officer
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