The National Assembly has emphasized the need for defence institutes in Nigeria to prioritize the upgrade of training facilities, procurement of advanced equipment, and research and development as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s defence capabilities.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, stated this during an oversight visit to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). Benson underscored the importance of transparency and accountability, stressing that the National Assembly would ensure sound legislation to guarantee the effective utilization of funds allocated to the sector.
Benson said the visit was crucial to understanding the challenges facing Nigeria’s defence institutions, adding that the committee was ready to work closely with the Armed Forces to ensure they are fully equipped to address future challenges.
He assured that lawmakers would provide responsible budgetary allocations and oversight to hold the defence institutes accountable to the Nigerian people, while fostering open communication and transparent reporting.
Benson specifically highlighted the importance of DICON in the global security environment, noting its role in manufacturing defence equipment locally, which he described as vital to Nigeria’s sovereignty. The chairman called on the corporation to focus on innovation, research, and development to ensure the production of top-quality military hardware.
“The new DICON Act, signed by President Bola Tinubu, offers the legal framework necessary to support these goals,” Benson said, adding that the corporation should aim to become a regional leader in defence production.
During the visit, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, Commandant of the NDA, remarked that defence-related issues are often confidential but assured that critical steps are being taken to improve the capabilities of the Armed Forces.
The committee also toured facilities at the NDA and DICON factory as part of their visit.
