The Federal Government is actively seeking new suppliers to provide ammunition to Nigeria, according to a report by African Intelligence.
The effort, led by the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, comes as the country grapples with rising ammunition costs and growing military needs.
The report, obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, highlights that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) currently produces only small-calibre ammunition, ranging from 7.62 to 9mm.
In light of the increasing demand for a broader range of munitions, DICON has approached the ammunition company Rheinmetall Denel Munitions (RDM), which manufactures larger-calibre ammunition, starting at 40mm, to explore potential partnerships.
The report states: “The defence ministry headed by Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the head of the army General Christopher Musa are leading a drive to find new ammunition suppliers for Abuja.”
It further noted that DICON, based in Kaduna, northern Nigeria, has been limited in its production capacity. “Dicon currently produces only small-calibre ammunition (7.62 and 9mm) in its factories based in Kaduna in northern Nigeria, while RDM manufactures a range of ammunition starting at 40mm.”
The report also highlighted DICON’s ongoing efforts to build international partnerships aimed at boosting local arms production in Nigeria. “Dicon has recently made several attempts to build international partnerships to develop local arms production in Nigeria,” it stated.
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The global conflict between Ukraine and Russia has further compounded the situation, driving up the cost of ammunition.
The report indicated that the Nigerian military’s high command has engaged in consultations with potential suppliers to equip the country’s artillery with 155mm shells, which have become significantly more expensive due to their extensive use in the Ukraine-Russia war.
“The Nigerian high command has also launched consultations with suppliers to rapidly equip its artillery with 155mm shells. These supplies have become much more expensive on the defence market since the start of the war between Ukraine and Russia in which these shells are extensively used,” the report added.
This move to find new ammunition suppliers underscores Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities amid rising global demand and escalating costs for critical military supplies.
