About DICON
Towards National Defence and Enterprise
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria makes and supplies equipment for Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security agencies. It was founded in 1964 and has its headquarters and ordnance factory in Kaduna.
Under the DICON Act 2023 it is building Nigeria’s defence industry with private and international partners, and it is the host of AFRIDEX 2026.
Vision, mission and mandate
Vision
To be a leading force in indigenous defence manufacturing in Africa, recognised globally for innovation, reliability and strategic partnerships.
Mission
To contribute significantly to national security while excelling in global defence markets. We are committed to delivering cutting-edge defence solutions by leveraging technological advancements, fostering a culture of innovation and nurturing strategic partnerships.
Mandate
To meet the materiel requirements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, as well as foreign policy needs, through improved production, collaboration and commitment to international best practices.
The Director General
Maj Gen Ibrahim Babatunde Alaya
Director General, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria
He became DICON's 25th Director General on 30 April 2025.
A mechanical engineer, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1997. Before DICON he commanded the Command Engineering Depot in Kaduna.
He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and chairs the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria. He also leads the AFRIDEX 2026 Steering Committee.
Watch his AFRIDEX interview“The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is proud to support this landmark Defence and Security event in Lagos. A vital platform for fostering collaboration, promoting innovation, and advancing capacity building across Africa.”
Our history
1964
Founded by Act of Parliament
DICON is established by an Act of Parliament in 1964. The West German firm Fritz Werner designs and builds the ordnance factories in Kaduna.
1967–70
Production triples
During the Civil War the factories triple their output. Afterwards DICON also turns to civilian goods, from water-supply equipment to industrial spare parts.
1977
Research and Development Centre
DICON opens its R&D Centre, which can analyse solid and liquid materials and is open to universities, polytechnics and government researchers.
2023
The DICON Act 2023
The President signs a new DICON Act in November 2023, replacing the 1964 law.
2024
Sixty years and a new identity
At its 60th anniversary in August 2024, DICON launches a new strategy, Road Map 2030 and a new emblem.
2025
A new Director General, and AFRIDEX
Maj Gen Ibrahim Babatunde Alaya takes office in April 2025. In August, DICON and dmg events sign the agreement to bring AFRIDEX to Lagos.
The DICON Act 2023
The DICON Act 2023 replaced the 1964 law and opened Nigeria's defence industry to private investment, with DICON at its centre.
- DICON can run subsidiaries and ordnance factories, and form joint ventures with private and foreign partners.
- It creates the Defence Industry Technology, Research and Development Institute.
- It sets out how defence articles are made, distributed, stored and disposed of in Nigeria, with DICON as the regulator.
What DICON makes
Defence
- Small arms and ammunition
- Armoured personnel carriers and tactical vehicles
- Protective garments
- Pyrotechnics
Civilian
- Industrial machine parts
- Ceremonial items, flag poles and number plates
- Union DICON Salt, relaunched in 2025
Recent partnerships
Agreements DICON has announced since the DICON Act 2023 came into force.
February 2026
Terra Industries
Joint venture for local production and R&D in drones, robotics and cyber security.
November 2025
Ajaokuta Steel Company
Agreement signed at the Ministry of Defence with the Ministry of Steel Development.
September 2025
Oida Energy
Nigeria's first in-country oilfield shaped-charge factory.
August 2025
dmg events
Hosting AFRIDEX 2026 in Lagos.
July 2025
Rovin Guard Nigeria
Ammunition and defence hardware.
July 2025
SP Offshore Nigeria
Joint venture partnership agreement.
Meet us at AFRIDEX
Come and see DICON at the DICON Pavilion, 26–29 October, Eko Atlantic, Lagos.