Nigeria’s quest for defence self-reliance has taken a major leap forward as DICON-D7G, a homegrown defence manufacturing company, strengthens partnerships with leading Turkish defence firms.
Operating within Nigeria’s growing defence industrial ecosystem, DICON-D7G provides access to more than ten Turkish companies renowned for meeting international quality and compliance standards in defence and aerospace materials, components, and spare parts.
The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr. Osman Chennar, stated on Monday in Kaduna that the Turkish firms involved are globally recognised for expertise in military hardware, precision engineering, and advanced defence technologies.
He explained that DICON-D7G leverages the knowledge of industry experts, including retired military generals and security professionals, to enhance Nigeria’s local military production, maintenance, and supply chains.
By tapping into Turkish defence manufacturing capabilities, the initiative aims to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports, lower long-term procurement costs, and shorten turnaround times for maintenance and repair of military equipment.
Chennar noted that the partnership, ongoing since 2018, goes beyond supplying finished components, emphasizing technology transfer, skills development, and local assembly, in alignment with national security goals of building indigenous capacity.
“The role of DICON-D7G as a link between Nigeria and trusted Turkish defence companies is transformative,” he said. “It ensures access to high-quality materials and components while establishing the foundation for local production and long-term self-sufficiency.”
The Turkish firms involved include Aselsan, TAIS Shipyard, Turkish Aerospace, Kalandor Dış Ticaret ve Savunma Sanayi Limited, MKE, Roketsan, ZSR Patlayıcı Sanayi ve Anonim Şirketi, and Ateşçi Machinery.
Chennar stressed that all partner companies operate under strict international standards, ensuring that supplied materials and components meet the requirements of modern defence and aerospace systems.
He added that the collaboration is expected to enhance the operational readiness of Nigeria’s armed forces while boosting confidence in domestically supported military systems.
“As regional security challenges evolve, the DICON-D7G initiative positions Nigeria as a growing hub for defence manufacturing and maintenance,” Chennar said. “The partnership will also create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and integrate Nigeria more deeply into the global defence value chain.”
All Turkish government defence exports to Nigeria through this partnership are conducted via D7G Savunma Sanayi İthalat İhracat Limited Şirketi, a Turkish-registered company, ensuring compliance with international procurement regulations.