Nigeria Unveils First Military Jetty to Boost Defence Industry and Create 7,000 Jobs

By: Abubakar Labaran.

Nigeria is set to commission its first-ever military jetty in Lagos, a landmark project designed to enhance local defence manufacturing and generate over 7,000 jobs for retired military officers and skilled civilians.

The facility, developed by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON-D7G) and located near the Tin Can Island Port, will serve as a strategic hub for the importation, assembly, and export of military equipment. The project marks a significant step in Nigeria’s push for self-reliance in its defence sector.

During an on-site assessment of the proposed jetty, DICON-D7G Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Osman Chennar, described the initiative as "critical backbone infrastructure" for the nation's defence industry.

"This jetty is not just a maritime structure; it is a strategic national asset," Chennar stated. "It will redefine how Nigeria sources, assembles, produces, and exports defence equipment. It is about efficiency, security, and national pride."

Chennar explained that the facility will streamline the importation of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) components, raw materials, and other essential inputs required for the domestic assembly of military hardware.

"At the moment, we rely heavily on third-party maritime logistics. With this dedicated military jetty, we will significantly cut turnaround times, reduce demurrage costs, and secure our supply chain," he said.

Once operational, the jetty is expected to employ over 2,000 retired senior military officers alongside approximately 5,000 civilian engineers, welders, fabricators, drone specialists, and logistics personnel.

"We are deliberately integrating retired military personnel because they bring decades of operational knowledge and discipline," Chennar noted. "At the same time, we are opening doors for thousands of Nigerians in technical and engineering roles. This is defence industrialisation meeting job creation."

The CEO added that the jetty would support the local manufacturing and assembly of a range of equipment, including small and medium arms, ammunition, tactical drones, unmanned systems, anti-jammer drones, and 4x4 and 6x6 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

DICON-D7G has already commenced production of DG103 rifles in Kaduna for both the Nigerian and broader African markets.

"Our DG103 rifle production line is active. The next step is strengthening inbound and outbound logistics. This jetty closes that gap," Chennar said. "We are building a fully integrated defence production chain, from the import of components to final assembly and export."

Major General Mainasara Abdul Masanawa (retd.), a member of the DICON-D7G board, hailed the jetty as a turning point for Nigeria's defence autonomy.

"This facility will serve as both an import and export gateway," Masanawa said. "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."

Masanawa further noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises self-reliance, job creation, and economic diversification.

"This is not just a defence project; it is an economic project. It reflects a broader vision of industrial transformation under the Renewed Hope framework," he added.

The military jetty is scheduled for an official launch in June 2026 and is being positioned as a milestone in Nigeria's transition from a primary importer of defence hardware to a significant producer and exporter.

"History will remember this as the moment Nigeria moved decisively to establish a self-sustaining defence industrial base," Chennar concluded.