By Augustine Ehikioya
Towards boosting Nigeria’s defence-industrial base and advancing local content in the oil and gas sector, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Oida Energy Limited have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The MoU, which was signed on Tuesday, 16th September, 2025, will establish the country’s first in-country oilfield-shaped charge manufacturing facility.
A statement by Lieutenant Amen Zingzhi, Acting Public Relations Officer DICON, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said the signing ceremony, which was held in Abuja marks a groundbreaking step in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported oilfield explosive technologies while deepening indigenous industrial capacity.
“When operational, the facility will provide safe, reliable, and locally manufactured shaped charges to support upstream petroleum operations and enhance technology transfer and technical expertise within Nigeria. It will also create jobs and skills development opportunities for Nigerians while contributing to foreign exchange savings by reducing import dependence.
“The event was graced by the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Alaya, CEO/MD OIDA Energy Limited, Engr Emeka Ene, representatives of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), officials of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), as well as senior directors and officers from both organisations.”
In his remarks, the Director General of DICON described the collaboration as a “critical step towards building indigenous capacity in sensitive and strategic industrial technologies.”
Similarly, the CEO/MD, OIDA Energy Limited reaffirmed the company’s commitment to “delivering world-class standards in local manufacturing to support Nigeria’s energy and security needs.”
Both the NUPRC and the ONSA commended the initiative, highlighting its alignment with government policies on local content, security, and industrial development.
This partnership underscores the power of public–private collaboration in driving national industrialisation and represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards self-reliance in critical energy and defence technologies.
