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In a strong boost to Nigeria’s defence industrialisation drive, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON–D7G) has unveiled its first successful batch of locally assembled DG-103 rifles—nearly 1,000 units produced within just two months of commencing operations in Kaduna.
The announcement was made during a media briefing at the company’s Abuja headquarters by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Osman Chennar, who described the milestone as a decisive step toward repositioning the country’s defence manufacturing capacity.
According to Mr. Chennar, every rifle in the first batch underwent rigorous testing and certification, meeting the operational standards required by the Nigerian Armed Forces, paramilitary services, and other security agencies. He noted that the DG-103, an upgraded model of the widely known AK-103, was engineered to deliver enhanced reliability, precision, and durability under Nigeria’s challenging operational environments.
Beyond rifles, the CEO disclosed that DICON–D7G has expanded its production scope to include advanced drones and anti-drone systems designed to strengthen battlefield intelligence and early-warning capabilities. “These technologies are built to support frontline units with superior situational awareness,” he stated.
But perhaps the most ambitious revelation was the company’s production target: an annual capacity of 60 million rounds of ammunition once full-scale operations stabilise. Mr. Chennar emphasised that this figure is not merely aspirational but part of a strategic plan to ensure Nigeria can consistently meet its own ammunition needs, cut import costs, and deepen local content in the defence ecosystem.
Representing the CEO, retired Major General M. A. Masanawa shared more forward-looking developments, announcing that DICON–D7G is on track to acquire a military jetty in Lagos by February 2026. The new facility will host a production line, warehouses, and residential quarters for staff—a move expected to significantly expand the company’s operational footprint.
According to Masanawa, the jetty will not only accelerate local production capacity but also unlock fresh opportunities for exporting defence-grade equipment to neighbouring African countries. “This acquisition places Nigeria in a stronger position to serve as a defence manufacturing hub within the West African sub-region,” he said.
Equally strategic is the plan to establish a shipyard at the Lagos facility—dedicated to the servicing and maintenance of naval vessels. This, the company believes, will help reduce the Navy’s dependency on foreign shipyards and speed up turnaround time for naval operations.
DICON–D7G’s recent accomplishments, observers say, reflect the broader momentum under the Renewed Hope agenda to rebuild Nigeria’s defence base, encourage local manufacturing, and enhance national security readiness. With the DG-103 rifles already in circulation, drones entering production, and major expansion projects on the way, the corporation insists these milestones represent just the beginning.
“Our commitment is to build a defence ecosystem that Nigeria can rely on,” Mr. Chennar said. “We are not only manufacturing equipment—we are building capacity, creating jobs, and contributing to the nation’s long-term security stability.”
As Nigeria continues to seek homegrown solutions to its security challenges, DICON–D7G’s rapid progress is being widely viewed as a crucial turning point—one that could redefine the future of military hardware production in the country and elevate Nigeria’s position within Africa’s defence industry landscape.
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