Ex-DICON DG Hails Tinubu’s 2023 Act As Game-Changer For Nigeria’s Defence Industry

According to Ireporter Online, former Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Victor Ezugwu (retd), has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the DICON Act 2023, calling it a pivotal step in strengthening Nigeria’s military-industrial sector and enhancing national security and economic growth.

General Ezugwu made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Nigeria International Security Exhibition and Conference (NISECEXPO 2025) held at the National Defence College, Abuja. The three-day event, themed “Future Wars: Operational Endurance and Force Build-up Capabilities,” was organized by the Nigeria Security Exhibition and Conference (NISEC) in collaboration with DICON, drawing participants from across Africa and Europe to discuss innovative approaches to contemporary security challenges.

Highlighting the transformative potential of the DICON Act, Ezugwu stated that the legislation empowers the defence industry and ensures that local capabilities effectively support operational efficiency. He emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones, as well as developing local capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s defence sector.

“The enemy is thinking fast and occupying more ground. Non-state actors are playing an inimical role to national development and security,” Ezugwu said. “This exhibition has allowed participants to share expertise and actionable solutions from Israel, Ukraine, and beyond, enabling Nigeria and Africa to leverage these insights to strengthen defence production. With AI and drones incorporated into our defence architecture, I expect our Armed Forces to be better equipped to tackle security challenges within the next one or two years.”

The retired general commended the current administration for signing the DICON Act into law, noting that it provides both authority and resources to the industry while ensuring local capabilities support operational needs. He described the expo as a “well-packaged showcase for future wars” and emphasized the necessity of preparing African defence industries for the demands of the 21st century.

International expert Prof. Roberto Mugavero, President of the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, lauded the platform for fostering collaboration between research, academia, and military-civilian operations. He noted that such events facilitate knowledge-sharing that enhances preparedness and cooperation in complex scenarios, whether conflicts or natural disasters.

Frank Ohwofa, CEO of NISEC and co-host of the expo, described the event as a catalyst for transitioning the Nigerian Armed Forces from conventional approaches to technology-driven operations. He stressed that criminals and terrorists are exploiting emerging technologies, and that Nigeria’s military and security agencies must adapt and stay ahead of these threats. Ohwofa added that exhibitions like NISECEXPO equip the military with innovative solutions, bringing together inventors, scientists, and academics to foster self-reliance and regional collaboration in the defence sector.

The expo showcased advanced defence technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles, AI-driven security solutions, and disaster management systems, reflecting Nigeria’s growing focus on modernizing its defence capabilities.