Nigeria to build first military jetty in Lagos, targets 7,000 jobs

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON-D7G) is set to establish the country’s first military jetty near the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, a move aimed at bolstering local defence production and logistics.

The facility, described by Chief Executive Officer Mr. Osman Chennar as a “strategic game changer,” is expected to create over 7,000 jobs for both retired military personnel and civilian workers.

It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by enhancing Nigeria’s defence self-reliance.

By improving inbound logistics, reducing cargo turnaround time, and lowering transportation costs, the jetty will support the manufacturing of small arms, ammunition, tactical drones, and military vehicles, including 4×4 and 6×6 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

The project reinforces Nigeria’s goal of becoming a regional defence hub. A board member, Major General Mainasara Abdul Masanawa (Rtd), noted it would deepen cooperation with allied African nations and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

DICON-D7G has already commenced production of DG103 rifles in Kaduna for both Nigerian and African markets.

The jetty project is scheduled for an official launch in June 2026.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has celebrated the production of the locally manufactured Vanquisher Light Combat Vehicles as a significant step forward in Nigeria’s defence capability.

Speaking at the inauguration of the vehicles in Kaduna, the COAS, represented by Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, stated that the initiative reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s indigenous capacity to produce mission-ready hardware tailored to national security challenges.

He commended Kaduna-based Vanquish Industries Limited for its technical competence, noting that the vehicles would enhance troop mobility and protection across diverse terrains.

Shaibu praised President Tinubu’s policies on local content, asserting that the federal government’s commitment to indigenous manufacturing is yielding results.

“This platform is a clear testament to what can be achieved when policy direction aligns with industrial capacity,” he said.

The Managing Director of Vanquish Industries, Mr. Zach Duwa, described the unveiling as a defining moment for the company and the nation. He explained that the Vanquisher was built on the core principles of protection, mobility, and adaptability to effectively address contemporary security challenges.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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