Buhari directs military, others to procure kits from DICON

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday directed the military and other security services to procure their uniforms and other kits from the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria.
The President gave the directives at the foundation laying ceremony of DICON Research and Development Center, Kaduna.
The centre is putting up a garment industry in partnership with a Turkish firm, expected to be completed by the end of 2020.
“I hereby direct that the Nigeria Armed Forces, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other para military and uniform agencies to procure their uniforms and relevant accessories from this factory when its becomes functional,” he said.
The president, who was represented by Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, directed ministers of defence, police affairs and interior to ensure strict adherence to the directive.
He said that the project was a demonstration of his government’s determination to encourage public private partnership through foreign direct investment.
“I am aware of the challenges faced by the armed forces of Nigeria in the area of procurement of military uniforms and accourtments especially on standardisation of fabric quality design, as well as misuse of military uniforms by imposters and criminals.”
He said that it was what prompted the government to establish a morden factory to produce befitting uniform for the armed forces and other security agencies.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the president used the occasion to reaffirm the commitment and desire of the Federal government to encourage and welcome credible investors wishing to invest in the vast social, ecomic and industrial opportunities in Nigeria.
“I want to assure partners and investors that the federal government of Nigeria has policies on ease of doing business, local content development and other micro policies that are aimed at encouraging foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s economy.
“This partnership is another fruitful economic relations between Nigeria and Turkish governments.
“investors are welcome to Nigeria, we will give you the necessary incentive and protection you need.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olanishakin, explained that the project was part of conscious efforts to revitalize DICON.
He explained that the defence headquarters established the defense research and development centre to conceptualise, design and produce various defense equipment such as communication gadgets, counter improvise explosives among others.
Olanishakin noted that reviving DICON remained top priority for the Federal Government especially at this period when the nation is faced with numerous security challenges.
In his address, Minister of Defense, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), said the Nigeria’s partnership with SUR Corporatewear of Turkey demonstrated the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration commitment to revive the moribund industries in the country.