# Dicon Gray Insignia plans expansion to boost production

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/04/dicon-gray-insignia-plans-expansion-to-boost-production/
- Published: 2025-04-07T12:02:20+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

DICON GRAY Insignia (DGI), one of Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturer is planning
to expand its operations in the production of military equipment in a key move to
enhance the country’s self-sufficiency.

This move aims to position Africa’s most populous nation as a regional leader in
defence manufacturing while driving industrial growth and job creation.

“We are dedicated to developing world-class defence production capabilities in Nigeria,
and we are in advanced discussions with various stakeholders to ensure the best 
strategic location for our investment,” said Bem Garba, managing director of DGI
in a statement.

“This project will not only enhance national security but also create significant
employment and economic growth opportunities.”

With this expansion move, Nigeria is on course to begin local production of military-
grade equipment, thereby reducing the nation’s reliance on foreign imports that 
have continued to exert pressure on the rather scarce forex.

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The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act signed into law by President
Bola Tinubu in 2023 empowers local defense manufacturers to produce military items
aimed at unlocking employment opportunities and boosting economic growth.

According to the company, the expansion includes three specialized production lines
with ongoing discussions to identify strategic locations for these facilities across
the country.

“DGI has engaged with key stakeholders and state governments to identify the most
strategic locations for these facilities. The company remains focused on fostering
partnerships that align with its vision of positioning Nigeria as a regional leader
in defense manufacturing,” the firm stated.

It said it is currently assessing multiple factors, including infrastructure, investment
incentives, and ease of doing business, to finalize the optimal locations for its
factories.

The company expects to break ground on construction within the year, with the objective
of completing the facilities before the end of 2025.

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“As part of its commitment to fostering local partnerships, DGI continues to engage
with state governments, security agencies, and industrial leaders to ensure that
the project delivers maximum benefits to both Nigeria and the host communities,”
the firm said.

In February, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) [announced a joint venture with Gray Insignia Nigeria](https://www.military.africa/2025/02/dicon-and-gray-insignia-to-supply-firearms-to-the-nigerian-army/)
to develop weapon systems tailored for the Nigerian military and other security 
agencies. Production of these weapons could begin before the end of the year in 
Nigeria.

The joint venture, known as DGI, between DICON and Gray Insignia Nigeria, has already
seen the creation of the Hawk Sniper Rifle, designed and [made in Nigeria](https://www.military.africa/2019/03/nigerian-made-weapons/).
This rifle has undergone testing and is ready for full-scale production for the 
Nigerian Armed Forces (AFN).

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