News
Nigeria will soon become military hardware hub in Africa – FG
Nigeria will soon become military hardware hub in Africa – FG
Nigeria is set to become a go-to destination for African nations seeking advanced military hardware, the Federal Government has said.
Already, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) under the leadership of Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, is showcasing the country’s growing capability in defence manufacturing.
Matawalle highlighted the impact of DICON’s growing reputation during a press briefing ahead of DICON’s 60th anniversary and the inaugural Africa Defence Industries Conference and Exhibition in Abuja.
The exhibition, which will run from Tuesday to Thursday, is set to feature over 150 foreign nationals displaying their defense manufacturing capabilities.
The minister emphasized that the increasing patronage from African nations could significantly enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, create jobs for skilled workers, and reduce capital flight.
He addressed previous criticisms about Nigeria’s reliance on foreign military equipment, underscoring the strides DICON has made under the current administration.
“At 60 years old, people have questioned what DICON has achieved, especially when we have been dependent on foreign equipment and ammunition,” Matawalle remarked.”
However, with the new leadership at the Ministry of Defence, we have been working tirelessly to ensure DICON’s capacity and capability to produce our own armaments are enhanced.
“We are bringing in more investors, particularly indigenous ones, to help us build this industry to international standards.”
READ ALSO:
- US says it’s preparing for Iran retaliatory attack on Israel
- Israel sustains strikes on Gaza, fears of wider war grow
- FBI probes allegations of Iran hacking Trump campaign emails
Matawalle assured that DICON has the capability to produce advanced military hardware but noted that specific details could not be publicly disclosed for security reasons. He confirmed that several African countries are now sourcing their arms and ammunition from DICON, a testament to the corporation’s revitalized role in the continent’s defense sector.
The minister also spoke on the significance of the new DICON Act 2023, which is expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s national security and economic development.
Since its establishment in 1964, DICON has steadily expanded from producing small arms and ammunition to manufacturing military vehicles, artillery, and other defense equipment.
“DICON’s journey over the past 60 years reflects Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in defense production,” Matawalle stated.
“Through collaboration and innovation, DICON has established itself as a key player in the defense sector. As we continue to evolve, our contributions will be crucial to both national security and economic growth.”
The celebration of DICON’s 60th anniversary marks a significant milestone in the corporation’s history, showcasing its resilience and dedication to meeting the defense needs of Nigeria.
As DICON continues to grow, its role in the broader African defense landscape is set to expand, positioning Nigeria as a leader in military manufacturing on the continent.
Nigeria will soon become military hardware hub in Africa – FG
News
School teachers begin indefinite strike in Abuja
School teachers begin indefinite strike in Abuja
Teachers in government-owned schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have started an indefinite strike. This action follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Chapter, to the six area councils in the territory.
On Wednesday, pupils who arrived at school were sent home by their teachers upon reaching the school gates, leaving them disappointed.
Comrade Ameh Baba, the NUT Chairman in Kubwa, confirmed the strike, explaining that it was initiated to push for the payment of 60 percent of the minimum wage arrears owed by the area councils.
He also criticized the councils for failing to implement the payment of 40 percent peculiar allowances and the 25 percent and 35 percent salary increments for teachers.
READ ALSO:
- Police parade suspected ritualists, armed robbers in Osun
- Students can reapply for loans, we’ve resolved BVN verification glitch – NELFUND
- PDP govs, NWC move to remove Damagun, Wike’s loyalist, as acting national chairman
Comrade Ameh stressed the importance of primary education as the foundation of human development and urged the government to treat the matter seriously.
The union warned that if the government does not respond within seven days, they will escalate the strike by picketing the area council secretariats and organizing protests, with secondary school teachers joining in solidarity. He also noted that the strike would impact Junior Secondary School 1 students, as their results are due for release.
School teachers begin indefinite strike in Abuja
News
Students can reapply for loans, we’ve resolved BVN verification glitch – NELFUND
Students can reapply for loans, we’ve resolved BVN verification glitch – NELFUND
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the resolution of a technical issue that disrupted the BVN (Bank Verification Number) verification process for students applying for loans.
The issue, which began over the weekend and persisted through the public holiday, caused delays for many applicants.
In a statement posted on NELFUND’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, the organization confirmed that the issue had been fully resolved by Tuesday morning. NELFUND advised all affected students to log back into the portal, complete their BVN verification, and proceed with their loan applications.
READ ALSO:
- PDP govs, NWC move to remove Damagun, Wike’s loyalist, as acting national chairman
- Troops kill many terrorists in Kaduna, hostages rescued, arms recovered
- Obasanjo reveals how Abdulsalami almost awarded $280m telecom deal for $3m to friends
“Dear Students,
“We have observed that many of you experienced issues with BVN verification while applying for the student loan over the last weekend, including the public holiday.
“We are pleased to inform you that the issue has been addressed and fully resolved as of yesterday morning.
“We kindly advise all affected students to log back into the portal, complete the BVN verification process, and proceed with your loan application,” the statement read in part.
NELFUND also expressed gratitude to students for their patience during the disruption and reassured them that the application process can now continue smoothly without further issues.
Students can reapply for loans, we’ve resolved BVN verification glitch – NELFUND
News
Obasanjo reveals how Abdulsalami almost awarded $280m telecom deal for $3m to friends
Obasanjo reveals how Abdulsalami almost awarded $280m telecom deal for $3m to friends
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has recounted how the former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), almost shortchanged Nigeria in a lucrative telecommunications deal.
Obasanjo revealed that Abdulsalami almost robbed Nigeria of a $280 million deal during nation’s transition to mobile telecommunications.
Obasanjo said when Nigeria was about to make the switch from landline telephones to mobile phones, some major telecommunication companies approached the country and promised to provide mobile lines for the citizenry, but Abubakar wanted to award the deal to his friends for $3 million.
The former President, however, said he suggested that the contract be made public for investors to bid and the highest bidder was awarded the contract, leading to the $280 million sale.
He made the revelation at the launch of a book titled ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian ICT Evolution through a Journalist’s lens,’ authored by an immediate past Editor of The PUNCH Newspapers, Mr Dayo Oketola, in Lagos.
He also disclosed that he was able to get Etisalat to pay $450 million to get the licence to operate in Nigeria.
READ ALSO:
- Woman’s dog digs up infant body reportedly buried alive by 22-year-old granddaughter in garden
- $900m FG bond: United Capital leads with 180% subscription
- UK invests £1.9m in West African economies
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo said: “The story of telecommunications, particularly mobile telecommunication, is a very interesting one. Before mobile telecommunication, we had spent a lot of money, we had all sorts of companies invited from America, France and even from Britain, but we did not get more than 500,000 lines. People had to queue at the telephone kiosk to call their loved ones abroad. And then, of course, the mobile telephone age came in.
“When it came in, my predecessor in office was trying to give it away, I think, to their friend for $3 million. Then we said, what we would do was to auction it. The three that came in first, I think, paid $280 million for the line. $280 million for something about to be given away for $3 million. That was the first thing we did. Not only that, we achieved competition.
“The three of them were competing. And, of course, the one that had the upper hand in terms of spread, I think, was MTN, followed by Glo. And then, there was Econet. They are now Airtel. And then, of course, later on, we had the fourth one, Etisalat. When Etisalat came, I told them the last one we did was $280 million. We told Etisalat to pay $450 million. They did.
“When they paid $450 million, the ball went in the post and then we were playing. That was how we got money to do what we did at the time we did it. That opportunity can still be made available. The money to develop Nigeria is out there, but that money will not come in unless we create a conducive atmosphere for that money to come in.
“What we did or what Nigeria has done in the good days when things were going well, are still there and can still be done today only if we put ourselves and we are honest to ourselves. We have to show character and attitude.”
Obasanjo reveals how Abdulsalami almost awarded $280m telecom deal for $3m to friends
-
Business2 days ago
Dangote refinery to transport 75% of fuel locally by sea
-
metro1 day ago
Four burnt to death, eight others injured in Ore-Ijebu Ode road crash
-
Politics2 days ago
Why I’ll work against Obi as running mate – Aisha Yesufu
-
Business3 days ago
JUST IN: Northern regions to pay more for petrol after NNPC announces Dangote price
-
Business3 days ago
NNPC hints petrol may rise above N1,000/litre, releases fresh price list
-
metro2 days ago
Updated: Controversial church testimony occurred in a dream, says Lord’s Chosen
-
Business3 days ago
Dangote Refinery: Tinubu committee to announce petrol price on October 1
-
metro1 day ago
Lady laces food with laxatives to know those eating it