BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Abuja
Nigeria is set to build its first-ever military jetty in Lagos as part of efforts to strengthen local defence production and create employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
The landmark project, an initiative of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON-D7G), is expected to generate over 7,000 jobs for retired military officers and skilled civilians when completed.
The facility, to be located near Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, will serve as a strategic hub for the importation, assembly and export of military equipment, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s push for defence self-reliance.
Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, disclosed this during an on-site assessment of the proposed jetty, describing the project as a critical infrastructure that will transform the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
He said the jetty would streamline the importation of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) components, raw materials and other inputs required for the domestic assembly of military hardware.
According to him, the dedicated facility will help reduce reliance on third-party maritime logistics while improving efficiency in the movement of defence equipment and materials.
“At the moment, we rely heavily on third-party maritime logistics. With this dedicated military jetty, we will significantly cut down turnaround time, reduce demurrage costs and secure our supply chain”.
He added that the project would provide employment for more than 2,000 retired senior military officers and about 5,000 civilians, including engineers, welders, fabricators, drone specialists and logistics personnel.
Chennar explained that the integration of retired military personnel into the project was deliberate because of their operational experience and discipline, which would be valuable to the country’s defence industrialisation efforts.
He further revealed that the facility would support local manufacturing and assembly of small and medium arms, ammunition, tactical drones, unmanned systems, anti-jammer drones, as well as 4×4 and 6×6 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.
According to him, DICON-D7G has already commenced production of DG103 rifles in Kaduna for both Nigerian and African markets.
“Our DG103 rifle production line is active. The next step is strengthening inbound and outbound logistics. This jetty closes that gap”.
Also speaking, a member of the DICON-D7G board, Major General Mainasara Abdul Masanawa (retd.), described the project as a major turning point for Nigeria’s defence self-reliance.
He said the jetty would serve as both an import and export gateway for defence equipment, positioning Nigeria as a potential manufacturing hub for friendly African countries.
“Beyond meeting local demand, Nigeria is positioning itself as a reliable defence manufacturing hub for friendly African nations. Every locally assembled rifle, drone or armoured vehicle saves foreign exchange, builds expertise and strengthens our security architecture against external supply shocks”.
He added that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote self-reliance, job creation and economic diversification.
The military jetty is expected to be officially launched in June 2026 and is being positioned as a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to transition from a major importer of defence equipment to a producer and exporter.
