DICON Strikes Partnership to Begin Domestic Gunpowder Production Within Eight Months, Targeting 30 Million Annual Ammunition Rounds

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has announced a significant breakthrough toward achieving self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing with the confirmation that it is set to commence domestic production of gunpowder, a critical component previously reliant on imports. The Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Alaya, revealed the development today, Friday, November 28, 2025, during a press briefing ahead of the forthcoming Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX).

Major General Alaya stated that DICON has executed a Memorandum of Understanding with an international partner and the indigenous company SPARTA, which will facilitate the establishment of local production facilities. He confirmed that based on the terms of the agreement, the domestic production of gunpowder is expected to commence within the next eight months, signaling a decisive move to break free from foreign dependency on essential defence components.

This crucial domestic supply is intended to bolster DICON’s stated annual target of 30 million rounds of ammunition and support the larger ambition of achieving self-reliance for Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security agencies. Major General Alaya emphasized that the move aligns with the Federal Government’s policy of encouraging indigenous production and attracting technological collaboration, positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s defence industry.

He also highlighted parallel partnerships with indigenous companies to assemble weapons and produce Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, further underscoring the corporation’s commitment to reinforcing the nation’s security architecture through homegrown innovation.