Nigeria has taken a significant leap toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Ministry of Defence to begin local production of military hardware.
The agreement also includes plans for the establishment of a military industrial complex within the Ajaokuta Steel territory in Kogi State.
The landmark MoU, which encompasses two major components, was signed by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, and the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle. A second agreement was executed between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja.
This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s industrial and security sectors and aligns with the Federal Government’s goal to tackle security challenges while promoting national industrialisation.
Prince Audu described the collaboration as “a historic breakthrough and one of the most significant developments since the establishment of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex nearly 50 years ago.”
He explained that under the partnership, Ajaokuta’s Engineering Workshops would be repurposed for producing military hardware, including bullets, helmets, vests, and rifles. Additionally, part of the complex will be allocated to the Ministry of Defence for setting up the new military industrial complex.
Audu further noted that the initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which prioritises national security, employment generation, and industrial advancement through local production.
“This initiative will greatly strengthen our security architecture and contribute to addressing the insecurity challenges facing various parts of the country, particularly in the North East and North West. By utilising the infrastructure at Ajaokuta, we are positioning Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in defence production and industrial growth,” he stated through his Special Assistant (Media), Lizzy Okoji.
Defence Minister Bello Matawalle praised the partnership as a bold and visionary stride toward achieving independence in defence manufacturing. He stressed that the collaboration highlights the government’s determination to transition Nigeria from a consumer to a producer of military hardware by leveraging local resources and expertise.
“Ajaokuta Steel Plant remains a national asset and the foundation of Nigeria’s industrialisation. This partnership is a strategic alliance between our defence and industrial sectors, reinforcing the President’s vision to enhance local productivity and build a stronger, safer Nigeria,” Matawalle said.
The Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Alaya, also underscored the MoU’s significance, noting that steel forms the backbone of all military production. He stated that the partnership would enable both DICON and Ajaokuta Steel Company to reach new milestones in producing indigenous defence and security equipment.
What You Should Know
The collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Ministry of Defence represents a milestone in Nigeria’s quest for industrial self-sufficiency and national security.
By repurposing Ajaokuta Steel’s infrastructure for defence production, the partnership aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports, create jobs, and strengthen local manufacturing capacity in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” vision.
