The Director-General, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria ((DICON), Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, has said it is set to start producing gunpowder.
This is as he said the cooperation now had the capacity to produce 30 million rounds of ammunition annually.
Alaya revealed this on Thursday in Abuja during a news briefing on the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, scheduled to hold from Oct. 26 to 29, 2026, in Lagos.
The exhibition is being organised in partnership with DICON and DMG events, to showcase Nigeria’s expanding defence-industrial capacity and attract global collaboration.
He also disclosed that DICON would soon commence the production of gunpowder in collaboration with a local firm, one of the major components of ammunition production.
“Before now we import some gunpowder, but we have signed a memorandum of understanding with one of our international partners, and in about eight months’ time, we will start producing gunpowder in Nigeria.
“In addition to that, we have also signed a memorandum of understanding with another indigenous company to start producing marine-shaped charges for marine exploration.
“Additionally, we have some partner companies that are coming on board to produce ammunition, weapons and other equipment.
“For instance, we are already assembling completely knocked-down parts for weapons in partnership with G7G.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with other partners who are already producing the machinery and equipment.
“Additionally, we have some indigenous companies who are already producing Mine-resistant-ambush-protected vehicles, and other personnel carriers such as Proforce, EPAIL, Vanquish, Imperial, amongst others,” he said.
The DICON boss said the forthcoming event represents a landmark initiative designed to serve as a global platform for defense, security, and technology stakeholders to provide excellent ideas and to suggest cutting-edge innovations.
According to him, the event is poised to become Africa’s premier defense and security exhibition, reflecting Nigeria’s growing influence as a hub for industrial innovation, strategic cooperation, and global security collaboration.
“The exhibition will attract participants from across Africa, Europe, and Asia, including leading defense manufacturers, policymakers, security experts, and technocrats from the advanced industries.
“Over the four days, participants will engage in strategic forum, high-level discussions, programme demonstrations, and exhibitions featuring the latest technologies in land, air, maritime, and sabotage defense systems.
“The event will serve as a meeting point for government agencies, armed forces, research institutions, and private investors, providing a vital ground for public-private partnership and cross-continental cooperation.
“For Nigeria, it presents an opportunity to demonstrate our readiness to lead Africa’s industrial defense; and it aligns perfectly with the federal government’s vision, and agendas,” he added.
The President of DMG event, Christopher Hudson, said Nigeria was hosting the event not only because the country is Africa’s largest economy, but also a regional leader in defense capabilities, industrial ambition and security cooperation across the continent.
“Defense investments and capability development are accelerating at a remarkable pace.
“I think, African nations and as a continent, allocated about $52 billion and that is projecting to increase an expanding program, maritime, cyber and space domains.
“These efforts are driving modernisation, strengthening Corporation and opening opportunities for industrial collaboration. It’s within that context that we are creating the African international Defense Exhibition,” he said.
Hudson said that the four days, which begin next year, will attract 30,000 attendees from over 100 companies, and over 500 exhibition companies.
“It will offer access to global technologies, sovereign capability partners and regional solutions aligned with Africa’s operational realities,” he said.
