Local production factory at 68% completion
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Local production of the uniforms of military and paramilitary personnel is expected to begin in January 2023, with the factory at 68 per cent completion and the entire project planned to create 950 jobs, apart from saving foreign exchange (forex).
The project is a Joint Venture Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Sur Corporate Wear Nigeria (SCWN).
The deal is concessioned for 20 years to produce uniforms for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence, and other military and paramilitary outfits, according to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Acting ICRC Director General Michael Ohiani in a statement urged all stakeholders to resolve all issues hindering the completion of the factory and report back in one week.
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Reducing capital flight, creating jobs
A meeting chaired by ICRC Contract Compliance Director Jobson Ewalefoh also implored all stakeholders to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated time frame.
The project is important to Nigeria, Ewalefoh stressed, as it would curb capital flight, create 950 jobs and be a thing of pride for the country to produce its own military uniforms, according to The Nation.
The venture is expected to source raw materials locally as it progresses.
“The fact that we produce our military and paramilitary uniforms locally is a pride to all of us. It is a pride that we all must uphold.
“Sudan is producing its own military kits and I know DICON can do it, if they have the right support,” Ewalefor said.
He pledged that the ICRC, as part of its regulatory function, would liaise with all relevant government agencies to fast-track approval for off-takers when production begins in January.
SCWN Managing Director Burhan Can Karabulut commended the ICRC for intervening to ensure the project progresses without a hitch.
He also praised the investors, saying following the intervention of the ICRC and the meeting of stakeholders, the investors agreed to release funds for the project.
Karabulut disclosed that SCWN has taken the factory to 68 per cent completion and expressed hope that funds would be released soon to finish the construction.
