FG Deepens Efforts to Tackle Insecurity, as Ministers of Steel Development, Defence Sign MoU for Production of Military Hardware, Build Military Industrial Complex at Ajaokuta
As part of its renewed commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and advancing national industrialisation objectives, the Federal Government has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Federal Ministry of Defence to commence the local production of military hardware and build a Military Industrial Complex at the Ajaokuta Steel Territory in Kogi State.
The MoU, which contained two key components, was signed between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development by the Honourable Minister, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Federal Ministry of Defence, by the Honourable Minister of State, H.E. Bello Matawalle MON,; and the second between Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja. The partnership signals a new dawn for Nigeria’s industrial and security advancement.
Prince Audu described the partnership 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 the collaboration will see the Engineering Workshops at Ajaokuta repurposed for the production of military equipment such as bullets, helmets, vests, and rifles, while a portion of land within the complex will be allocated to the Ministry of Defence for the establishment of a Military Industrial Complex.
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Prince Audu said that the agreement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s “Renewed Hope” Agenda, which prioritises national security, job creation, and industrial development 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,” Prince Audu said.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, MON, commended the collaboration as a bold and visionary step toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He noted that the partnership demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to transform Nigeria from a consumer to a producer of military hardware by leveraging its natural resources and indigenous capacity.
“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 stated.
Also speaking, the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Alaya, highlighted the importance of the agreement, noting that steel is the foundation of all military production. He added that the MoU would help both DICON and Ajaokuta Steel Company reach new heights in producing indigenous military and security equipment.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Managing Director of Ajaokuta, Prof. Nasir Naeem; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu; senior officials from both ministries; and private sector partners who produce defense equipments, including the Chairman/CEO of EPAIL, Mr. Kola Balogun, and the GMD/CEO of Proforce, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin.
Lizzy Okoji
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development,
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
November 10, 2025
