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Tanzania promises more teaching jobs, prioritises long-waiting graduates

Dodoma. The government has pledged to recruit more teachers in the 2026/27 financial year, prioritising schools with the greatest shortages and graduates who have waited longest for formal employment.

The pledge comes amid a persistent teacher shortage, particularly in science subjects, with the national deficit exceeding 33 percent.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Dr Festo Dugange, told Parliament on Monday, November 2, 2026, that recruitment would continue to address the growing demand, although applicants would have to undergo interviews.

‘Taking into account the country’s demand for teachers, the government has continued recruiting teachers every year to address the shortage,’ he said.

Dr Dugange was responding to Bukoba Rural MP Jasson Rweikiza (CCM), who sought to know when the government would address shortages in primary and secondary schools.

He attributed the growing demand partly to increased enrolment following the introduction of fee-free education and construction of new schools nationwide.

He said the government had recruited 64,772 teachers between the 2021/22 and 2025/26 financial years, including 15,054 in the last financial year.

‘The recruits had been deployed to areas with the greatest demand, particularly rural schools,’ he said.

Despite the recruitment, the country continued to face a shortage of science teachers, partly because most unemployed graduates seeking teaching jobs were not specialised in science subjects.

Dr Dugange said applicants, including those who had volunteered in schools while awaiting formal employment, would still be required to sit interviews.

‘Those seeking employment as teachers must undergo interviews,’ he said, adding that successful candidates would be considered based on their waiting period after graduation and age.

The clarification means voluntary teaching experience does not guarantee employment, although the government will consider how long graduates have waited for jobs.

He said recruitment would continue annually, alongside the filling of vacancies arising from retirement and other departures from the public service.

The government also plans to engage volunteer teachers under the 2026 guidelines on volunteering in the public service.

Meanwhile, preparations are under way to meet growing demand for teachers and school facilities as more pupils are expected to join Form One in 2028.

Saudi-led coalition intercepts Houthi missile as fighting intensifies in Yemen’s al-Jawf

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen has intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels towards southern Saudi Arabia as fighting between the Iran-aligned group and government forces intensifies across northern Yemen.

Coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki confirmed the interception on Monday, November 2, saying air defences destroyed the missile before it reached its target. The coalition had also intercepted a drone launched towards the kingdom on Sunday evening, according to Anadolu Agency.

The interception comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen’s strategic al-Jawf governorate, where government forces are attempting to recapture territory held by the Houthis.

Yemeni army spokesman Colonel Majed Abdullah al-Nazili said government forces carried out 1,272 operations against Houthi fighters and military positions within 24 hours, claiming that about 500 fighters were killed and nearly 170 military vehicles and equipment were destroyed or disabled. Al Jazeera reported that these figures could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, Houthi-affiliated media reported that seven people were wounded in Saudi-led coalition air strikes on Hodeidah, including attacks on Ras Isa port and an oil company facility. The coalition had not commented on the reported casualties at the time of publication.

The renewed clashes add to the escalation of Yemen’s long-running conflict, raising fresh concerns over regional security and the humanitarian situation.

The mental health imperative: Unlocking workplace productivity and safeguarding the future of the Philippine economy

In the modern economic landscape, mental health is no longer merely a public health concern or an employee welfare benefit; it is an imperative driver of national productivity and macroeconomic resilience.

For the Philippines, a country whose growth trajectory is fueled heavily by a young, tech-savvy workforce, the business process outsourcing industry and service sectors, human capital is the primary engine of development.

To maximize this economic potential, mental well-being must be positioned at the core of labor policies, workplace design and national legislative frameworks.

A mentally healthy workforce translates directly to higher innovation, reduced absenteeism, lower turnover and maximized output across all economic sectors.

This will be a 3-part series to delve a little into different areas where mental health is an imperative, picking up from the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) General Membership Meeting Panel on Oct. 16, featuring Sen. Risa Hontiveros as speaker and Jeannie Goulbourn and Dr. Edgardo Juan Tolentino as panelists, with Agnes Gervacio as moderator.

Operationalizing Republic Act. No. 11036 and inclusive employment

In my nearly four decades across the telecommunications and healthcare sectors, I have spent countless hours in executive boardrooms analyzing operational efficiency, capital allocation and bottom-line growth.

Yet across every balance sheet and strategic plan, one truth remains undeniable: human capital is the ultimate driver of national productivity. Parallel to my corporate career, my time as a front-line volunteer for the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation’s Hopeline exposed me to the deeply human side of this equation.

Sitting with individuals in their moments of acute crisis taught me that psychological well-being is not an abstract personal matter-it is the foundational infrastructure of human capability.

When RA 11036, the Philippine Mental Health Act, was enacted eight years ago, it marked a historic shift by recognizing mental healthcare as a fundamental right.

However, as business leaders, we know that policy declarations on paper do not automatically yield economic productivity.

Execution does

Today, as a member of MAP and its health committee, my personal mission extends beyond promoting basic awareness of the law.

We must urgently operationalize RA 11036 across our organizations so that millions of working Filipinos can experience its tangible benefits in their daily lives.

Translating policy into daily workplace practice

To bridge the gap between statutory intent and workplace reality, corporate compliance must move past passive measures, like annual wellness webinars or printed employee handbooks.

Implementing the Mental Health Act alongside our Occupational Safety and Health Standards requires embedding actionable mental wellness protocols into the operational bloodstream of our companies.

First, businesses must establish clear, confidential and stigma-free pathways for professional psychological support.

This means integrating robust Employee Assistance Programs and telemental health services into standard health benefit packages.

Second, managers and middle supervisors must be trained in basic psychological first aid and empathetic leadership.

Front-line leaders are the first line of defense; equipping them to recognize early indicators of burnout, anxiety and severe stress prevents preventable medical leave and voluntary attrition.

Third, operationalizing the law demands structured workplace accommodations.

Flexible work arrangements, temporary duty reassignments and manageable workload adjustments should be viewed not as operational disruptions, but as strategic retention tools that safeguard valuable talent.

Unlocking the potential of mentally challenged and neurodivergent workers

A critical, yet underutilized, dimension of RA 11036 is its explicit alignment with RA 7277, the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

The Mental Health Act affirms that individuals with psychosocial, neurological and mental health conditions retain full legal capacity and the fundamental right to meaningful employment.

Integrating mentally challenged and neurodivergent individuals-such as those living with clinical depression, bipolar disorder, adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum conditions-into the formal labor market is not merely an exercise in corporate social responsibility. It is an economic growth strategy.

Neurodivergent individuals frequently bring exceptional attention to detail, innovative problem-solving abilities and unique analytical perspectives that enrich organizational culture and foster creative problem-solving.

When employers provide reasonable accommodations-such as structured daily routines, sensory-friendly workspaces and clear performance frameworks-these workers thrive.

Integrating this population directly increases household incomes, reduces reliance on state support and expands our national tax base.

Call to action as business leaders: Build a resilient economic future

As routine tasks become increasingly automated, the true competitive advantage of the Philippine economy lies in complex human capability. Mental health issues like presenteeism-where employees are physically present but cognitively disengaged-cost the global economy billions annually in lost output.

By actively implementing RA 11036, breaking down social stigma, and opening our doors to individuals facing mental health challenges, we build a resilient, highly productive workforce.

Investing in workplace mental wellness is not a corporate expense; it is a high-return investment in our nation’s economic future.

Tinubu reflects on rare privilege of entering Kaaba says experience renewed commitment to Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his rare opportunity to enter the Holy Kaaba in Makkah during his Umrah pilgrimage as a profound spiritual experience saying it has strengthened his commitment to Nigeria’s development.

Saudi authorities granted the President special permission to enter the sacred structure a privilege not ordinarily extended to every Muslim performing Umrah.

Tinubu offered prayers inside the Kaaba alongside members of his Nigerian delegation during his visit to Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting on the spiritual experience on Monday the President expressed gratitude for the opportunity describing it as a rare privilege and a moment of deep personal significance.

He also used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to what he called ‘Project Nigeria’ expressing confidence that his administration’s economic reforms had laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga Tinubu said Nigeria had emerged from a difficult economic period and was on a path to recovery.

‘The foundation is solid and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring’ the President said.

He stressed that the gains from ongoing reforms must translate into better opportunities for young Nigerians adding that the decisions made by present-day leaders would shape the country’s future.

‘We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now? That’s the main thing. So this is a rare privilege to lead the country’ he said.

Tinubu further said his spiritual experience reinforced his determination to serve Nigerians and pursue his vision of a prosperous nation.

Wike mocks critics of Rainbow Coalition, says they can’t even unite their families

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at politicians opposing the Rainbow Coalition, saying those criticising the political alliance lack the capacity to unite even their families and communities.

Wike said the coalition, which brings together political stakeholders across the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was established in the interest of unity, cooperation and development in the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister spoke on Monday during the commissioning of the Gwagwalada Civil Centre and an interactive session with stakeholders of the Gwagwalada Area Council APC and PDP in Abuja.

Commending political leaders in the area for putting aside their differences, Wike said their decision to work together had demonstrated that the collective interest of the people was more important than individual political ambitions.

He said, ‘Some greedy and selfish politicians do not understand what we call unity. They have no capacity to hold their space, they have no capacity to even hold their families, and they have no capacity to hold their communities. So they can open their mouths and say there is no Rainbow Coalition.’

The minister challenged those criticising the alliance to explain why political leaders who previously disagreed could not come together to pursue common interests.

He described the development in Gwagwalada as a positive departure from the politics of confrontation, insisting that the FCT needed cooperation rather than unnecessary political hostility.

Wike also urged residents not to repeat what he described as the mistake of the 2023 general elections, calling for credible representation at the National Assembly.

He said the FCT needed representatives who understood the problems confronting residents across the six area councils and could effectively communicate their demands to the Federal Government.

Questioning the quality of representation, he asked whether the senator representing the territory understood the challenges facing Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, Kwali, Abaji and the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

He specifically canvassed support for former Senator Philip Aduda and other candidates endorsed by the coalition, saying political representatives must be accessible and familiar with their constituents.

Wike also declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, urging residents to mobilise at the grassroots and translate their political endorsements into votes in 2027.

‘On the day of the election, it will not be a day for market or fishing. It is the day all of us have decided to come together and demonstrate our strength through our votes. Go to the polling units, districts and communities and mobilise the people to vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ he said.

Earlier, the FCT APC Chairman, Hon. Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, described the gathering as historic, saying Wike’s political intervention had brought together leaders who previously operated on opposing sides.

He said political leaders who had never regarded themselves as brothers because of party differences were now sitting together and agreeing to work under one political platform in Gwagwalada.

Yamawo also commended the minister for reducing political tension in the area, noting that campaigns had become more peaceful, without the destruction of vehicles and other violent incidents previously associated with political activities.

Similarly, the FCT PDP Chairman, Hon. Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed Dogara, praised Wike for his development interventions, particularly the revival of a project abandoned for 16 years in Gwagwalada.

Dogara said the coming together of political leaders across party lines demonstrated the minister’s commitment to building cooperation among stakeholders.

The Aguma of Gwagwalada, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji, also commended Wike for his contributions to the development of the territory, saying the revival of the abandoned project underscored the importance of continuity in governance.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Kassim Mohammed, listed road projects executed by his administration in Gwagwalada metropolis, Tungan Wada, Abum-pe and other communities.

He thanked Wike for approving the establishment of a one-inch chip facility in Gwagwalada but appealed for intervention on the road linking the Army checkpoint to the Specialist Hospital.

Former Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Hon. Zakari Angulu Dobi, recalled that the Civil Centre was almost 80 per cent completed when he left office but suffered vandalism during the 16 years it remained abandoned, reducing its completion level to about 40 per cent.

He commended the incumbent chairman for reviving the facility, describing its completion as a victory for residents irrespective of their political affiliations.

Also speaking, Hon. Adamu Mustapha Danze urged FCT residents to reciprocate the attention given to the territory by Tinubu and Wike through their votes in 2027.

The Gwagwalada Area Council Women Leader, Hajia Hajara Abdullahi, assured Wike of women’s support for Tinubu, Aduda and other APC candidates, while appealing for the establishment of a cottage hospital to complement existing healthcare facilities.

The Gwagwalada Youth Leader and Special Assistant to the council chairman, Inuwa Guzo, also pledged the support of youths across the APC and PDP blocs for the Rainbow Coalition.

He appealed for the rehabilitation of the Gwagwalada football stadium, which he said had been abandoned for more than 25 years.

Ooni seeks strict recycling regulation

The Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has called for the enforcement of a stronger regulatory framework for recycling policies to tackle plastic pollution.

The monarch spoke during the opening of Polysmart Packaging Limited. He praised the firm’s owners for their contributions to the sector. The paramount king said indiscriminate disposal of plastic bottles and other non-biodegradable materials on roads and drainages is a threat to cleanliness and development.

Oba Ogunwusi wondered why Nigerians could not maintain a cleaner environment. He stressed that plastic pollution was a major environmental challenge because discarded plastics were difficult to degrade warning that indiscriminate disposal could continue to undermine sanitation and damage the environment.

Chief Executive Officer Polysmart Packaging Wasiu Balogun said the company’s new $60 million factory would strengthen plastic waste recycling and support the country’s transition to a green economy.

He said the company had grown from a humble beginning in 2013 with an initial capital of N2 million to establish a facility designed to increase plastic waste recovery and recycling.

Balogun recomitted the company to responsible plastic waste management and that the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency’s (NESREA) National Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility and National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulation 2026 would enable the company to track plastic waste and support brand owners in demonstrating regulatory compliance.

He said the company planned to engage collection agents in all the councils in Nigeria to improve the collection and recovery of plastic waste adding that the facility when operating at full capacity would process 100000 tonnes of mixed plastics yearly equivalent to approximately 6.5 billion PET bottles or 15 million bottles daily.

The initiative he noted would help prevent millions of plastic bottles from ending up in landfills being burned or entering the Atlantic Ocean thereby reducing environmental pollution.

Chairman Polysmart Packaging Limited Niyi Yusuf described the company as Africa’s largest food-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) plant saying it would position Nigeria as a recycling hub for West Africa.

Yusuf citing Germany South Korea and The Netherlands said Nigeria could achieve higher recycling rates through stronger producer responsibility systems and sustained investment in infrastructure.

Schools recognized for excellence in French teaching

On 24th October, the French Embassy in Uganda in partnership with Alliance Francaise de Kampala and the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO) recognized over seven Ugandan schools with prestigious Label following the conclusion of a two-year initiative aimed at improving the quality of French instruction in Uganda.

The selected schools were recognized for their exceptional dedication, innovative methodologies and outstanding performance in the teaching of the French language.

Among the recognized schools included Kitante Hill School, St Joseph’s S.S Naggalama, St Theresa Secondary School Bwanda, St Henry’s College Kitovu, Ndejje Secondary School, Seeta High School Green Campus and Kira College Butiki.

The recognised institutions were selected following a nationwide evaluation of 47 schools under the Fonds de Solidarité pour les Projets Innovants (FEF) project that aims promote high-quality and harmonized French language teaching in Uganda through supporting the transition towards a competence-based curriculum that places learners at the center of the learning process.

The project encourages students to actively use French in communication and practical situations rather than relying solely on classroom instruction.

The Ambassador of France to Uganda, Virginie Leroy, urged students and teachers to continue practicing the language noting that French language is an important cultural and economic asset that could open opportunities for the students to work in different countries.

‘Let’s take the French language as an asset to open doors, proficiency in French could help Ugandans access employment, build businesses, travel and connect with people across different countries.’ Mr Leroy said.

Mr Frantz Said Ami, a technical expert from Expertise France working with NCDC called for continued collaboration among schools, teachers and development partners to build on the project’s achievements and expand access to French language learning across Uganda noting that.

‘Dear students and teachers, it’s now your duty to expanding French language and examinations beyond Kampala to enable learners in other parts of the country to obtain internationally recognized certification.’

NGX sheds N35bn as bearish sentiment weighs on equities

Nigerian equities market opened the new trading week on a bearish note on Monday, as renewed selling pressure on heavyweight stocks dragged market capitalisation down by N35.25 billion, amid weak investor sentiment and mixed sectoral performance.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index declined marginally by 0.02 per cent to 254,245.21 points, moderating its year-to-date return to 63.38 per cent, while market capitalisation fell to N165.08 trillion.

Market breadth remained weak, reflecting subdued appetite for equities, as 41 stocks closed in the red against 21 gainers, translating to a breadth ratio of 0.5 times.

The decline was led by Champion Breweries, SUNU Assurances and Aradel Holdings, which featured among the worst-performing stocks during the session.

The performance suggests that investors remained cautious, with limited buying interest in major stocks failing to offset losses across several sectors.

Sectoral performance was largely negative, as four of the six tracked sectors closed lower. The Oil and Gas index led the decline, shedding 3.75 per cent, followed by the Commodities sector, which fell 2.76 per cent.

The Banking index declined by 1.79 per cent, while Consumer Goods lost 1.17 per cent, reflecting broad-based selling pressure across key market segments.

However, the Industrial sector bucked the trend, advancing 3.34 per cent to emerge as the strongest performer, while the Insurance index gained 0.93 per cent.

Trading activity also weakened considerably, with both volume and value of transactions declining, although the number of deals increased sharply.

Turnover fell by 44.67 per cent to N47.48 billion, while traded volume dropped by 48.15 per cent to 517.26 million shares.

In contrast, the number of transactions increased by 42.63 per cent to 54,015 deals, suggesting that trading remained active despite the decline in the overall value and volume of shares exchanged.

Market analysts expect sustained selling pressure and weak breadth to constrain the market’s near-term recovery, although selective bargain-hunting in fundamentally attractive stocks could help moderate further losses.

Despite Monday’s marginal decline, the equities market maintained a year-to-date gain of 63.38 per cent, underscoring the substantial appreciation recorded since the beginning of the year.

Two Arrested In Techiman Over Fabulous Ladies Agartha Takyiwaa’s Murder

Faboulous Ladies coach Nana Atuahene has confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in Techiman in the Bono Region in connection with the alleged murder of footballer Agartha Takyiwaa.

The 22-year-old was killed on the evening of Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Afrancho in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region. She was stabbed in the thigh, stomach and neck.

According to the coach, Agartha worked as a commercial tricycle (pragya) rider. Around 10:30pm, she picked up a female passenger and was taking her to Afrancho New Site.

Events reportedly took a tragic turn during the journey, leading to a struggle between Agartha and some suspected assailants over her tricycle.

She was stabbed during the confrontation and died, while the suspects made off with the tricycle and her mobile phone. The suspects were later tracked down through the phone’s location.

Agartha had been preparing for the upcoming 2026/27 Women’s Division One League.

Coach Atuahene said the club has yet to formally inform the Ghana Football Association about the incident. Speaking to Luv FM, he noted the realities facing players in the women’s game. ‘Women’s football is still young in Ghana,’ he said. ‘Our players are registered as amateurs, not professionals, so we support them with only transportation costs.’

Nigeria renews push for military self-sufficiency

Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in military equipment production has received a fresh boost as DICON-D7G unveiled plans to expand indigenous defence manufacturing, attract foreign investment and create 7,000 employment opportunities for retired military personnel and civilians.

The initiative, being promoted at the ongoing Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos, also includes plans to secure 40,000 square metres of land for the establishment of a world-class international exhibition centre.

The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Monday, saying the initiative was aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s transition from dependence on imported military equipment to local manufacturing, technology transfer and industrial self-sufficiency.

DICON-D7G, a major sponsor of AFRIDEX, is using the international exhibition to promote its vision of building a stronger Nigerian military-industrial complex through local production, strategic partnerships, investment mobilisation and employment generation.

The renewed push comes 61 years after the establishment of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in 1964, with the country still working towards developing the capacity to manufacture a substantial proportion of the military equipment required by its armed forces.

For decades, Nigeria has depended considerably on foreign suppliers for military hardware, ammunition, components and other defence technologies, raising concerns about foreign exchange expenditure, supply-chain vulnerabilities and the sustainability of national security operations.

Chennar said DICON-D7G was seeking to address the challenge by bringing government institutions, private investors, indigenous manufacturers, research organisations and international technology partners together.

‘Our ambition is to move Nigeria from dependence on imported military equipment to a country that can increasingly manufacture, maintain and sustain its own defence requirements,’ he said.

According to him, Nigeria possesses the human resources, technical expertise and industrial potential to achieve defence industrial independence through strategic investments and effective partnerships.

He said the organisation’s objective was to move Nigeria beyond importing finished defence products to developing the capacity to design, manufacture, maintain and eventually export military equipment.

As part of its international expansion, DICON-D7G recently made its debut at an exhibition in Qatar, where it sought partnerships with foreign manufacturers, investors and technology companies to facilitate technology transfer and strengthen local production.

‘Our engagement with international partners is designed to encourage technology transfer, attract investment and build the technical capacity required to strengthen Nigeria’s defence industry,’ Chennar said.

He described AFRIDEX as an important platform for bringing manufacturers, investors, technology developers and other stakeholders together to advance Nigeria’s defence industrial ambitions.

The exhibition, he said, would provide opportunities to promote indigenous innovation, attract investment and encourage collaboration capable of translating Nigeria’s industrial potential into practical defence manufacturing capabilities.

In another major development, DICON-D7G is pursuing the acquisition of approximately 40,000 square metres of land in Lagos for a proposed international exhibition centre.

The facility is expected to host international defence exhibitions, industrial trade fairs, technology showcases, manufacturing conferences and investment forums, while providing a platform for Nigerian manufacturers to showcase locally developed products.

‘The proposed exhibition centre in Lagos will provide a permanent platform for international defence exhibitions, technology showcases and investment opportunities,’ Chennar said.

The proposed centre is also envisaged as a commercial asset that could generate revenue and support the organisation’s long-term industrial objectives.

The organisation is equally projecting 7,000 employment opportunities, comprising 2,000 positions for retired military personnel and 5,000 for civilians.

The retired military personnel are expected to contribute their experience and technical expertise in areas including training, engineering, logistics, administration and project management.

The civilian employment opportunities are expected to cover manufacturing, engineering, information technology, research and development, skilled trades and other supporting services.

‘We are looking beyond military equipment production. We also want to create opportunities for retired military personnel and young Nigerians to contribute their skills to national development,’ he said.

Beyond employment generation, the initiative is seeking to strengthen Nigeria’s military-industrial ecosystem by expanding local production and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

DICON-D7G has also indicated plans to expand its manufacturing activities beyond arms and ammunition to include tanks, armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles, boats and drones.

The broader ambition is to develop local capacity that can support the country’s defence requirements, conserve foreign exchange, create jobs and stimulate technological advancement.

The development comes amid renewed efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence manufacturing framework following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the DICON Amendment Act into law in November 2023.

The legislation provides an expanded framework for promoting indigenous defence production and strengthening the country’s military-industrial capacity.

However, the success of the renewed ambition will depend on sustained investment, research and development, technology transfer, quality assurance and effective collaboration between government and private-sector manufacturers.

Sixty-one years after DICON’s establishment, the renewed drive highlights the importance of translating Nigeria’s long-standing ambition for defence industrial independence into measurable manufacturing capacity.

For DICON-D7G, the objective is to ensure that Nigeria does not merely depend on importing equipment required for its national security but progressively develops the capacity to manufacture and sustain such equipment locally.