Sambo inaugurates defence industries corporation board

Vice President Namadi Sambo has asked the new committee on the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to review the operations and activities of the corporation with reference to the procurement of military equipment.
He spoke while inaugurating the committee on DICON in the Presidential Villa Abuja today.
He said the committee is to also determine ways to encourage private sector participation not just in the activities of DICON but also in the enhancement of the production of defence equipment.
Pointing out the members’ terms of reference, he stated that they would propose a sustainable funding frame work to enhance the development of defence equipment in Nigeria.
According to him, ways on encouraging the patronage of neighbouring countries and considering the need or otherwise of the establishment of the Defence Training Institute are of enormous important.
The Vice President who disclosed that the committee has four weeks to conclude its assignment, expressed optimism on the outcome over the caliber of people in its membership.
Other members of the committee include: Attorney-General of the Federation, Ministers of Finance, Interior, Trade and Investment, Defence, National Planning, Police Affairs, Aviation, Transport as well as Science and Technology.
The Director-General, DICON; DG, Bureau of Public Procurement; DG, Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission; Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy; representatives of the National Security Adviser, service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police are also members.
Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will provide a secretariat where they will operate.