DICON Signs Groundbreaking $2 Billion Defence Partnership with SP Offshore Nigeria Limited
In a significant stride toward revitalizing Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has signed a landmark $2 billion joint venture agreement with SP Offshore Nigeria Limited, a global leader in advanced defence technology.
The strategic partnership, unveiled today at a formal signing ceremony in Kaduna, marks a bold step toward achieving the Federal Government’s vision of self-sufficiency in defence production by 2027, as articulated in the DICON Act 2023. The agreement aims to transform Nigeria into a regional powerhouse in defence manufacturing and reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign imports for military hardware.
Speaking during the event, the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, described the partnership as a “transformative milestone” in Nigeria’s defence-industrial evolution. He emphasized that the collaboration would not only modernize Nigeria’s military capacity but also enhance its export potential across Africa.
“This historic partnership marks a transformative step toward achieving Nigeria’s vision of a robust military-industrial complex,” General Alaya stated. “With SP Offshore’s technological prowess and strong investor backing, we are poised to manufacture world-class defence equipment locally—supporting both national and regional security.”
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General Alaya further noted that the deal will unlock job opportunities, drive homegrown innovation, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for enacting the DICON Act 2023, which empowered DICON to enter into such strategic alliances. He also acknowledged the continued support from the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs.
In his remarks, SP Offshore’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Obafemi Adekunle, highlighted the scope and ambition of the project, which includes establishing state-of-the-art production facilities across Nigeria. These facilities will manufacture a wide range of defence equipment tailored to the operational needs of Nigeria’s armed forces and other security agencies.
“This joint venture will focus on producing small arms, ammunition, drones, radars, biometric systems, and other advanced defence technologies,” Mr. Adekunle announced. “Our mission is to align with Nigeria’s security goals while creating a sustainable, export-capable defence industry.”
SP Offshore Nigeria Limited is recognized globally for its expertise in developing and manufacturing high-tech defence systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), integrated weapons platforms, and smart surveillance solutions.
With this strategic partnership, Nigeria is positioning itself not just as a consumer of military hardware but as a future exporter of cutting-edge defence technology—ushering in a new era of national security and industrial growth.