Whereas defence industries in India and Brazil are manufacturing aircraft and armoured personnel carriers (APC), Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON), established in 1964, is producing only bullets in addition to Dicon salt and furniture.
Prof. David Alabi of Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna explained that corruption and impunity are rife in the industry and must be fought to a standstill for any meaningful development to take place in the defence sector of the economy.
Alabi, Professor of Political Science and Defence Studies, told newsmen in an interview in Abuja on Sunday that a strong political will and adequate funding are critical elements required to develop Nigeria’s defence industry.
In his words, “Government is not funding the industry very well and without adequate funding, there can’t be any meaningful development.
The don expressed regret that the 51-year-old Defence Industries Corporation (DICON), is in an “unfortunate’’ and “pitiable’’ condition.
“Within the industry itself, corruption must be fought to a standstill. Nigeria’s defence sector is riddled with corruption. The culture of impunity should also be addressed. It is a sector where there is no democracy; you cannot question your boss; leaders in the sector prefer to import arms because they can inflate the price, cut corners and steal money,’’ he said.
Alabi recalled that some soldiers whose allowances were not paid after serving in Darfur for two years on a peacekeeping mission, had to stage a protest before they received their money. What could be worse than sacrificing your life after two years and not get paid?’’ he asked.
He, therefore, advised the Buhari-led administration to address the lapses in the defence industry, to enable it to thrive. The don stressed that against the background of the current national and global security challenges, Nigeria should not continue to depend on other nations for the supply of arms and ammunition. He said it was high time Nigeria started producing its own arms and ammunition.
