The House of Representatives in Nigeria has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign two bills, the Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) Bill and the Armed Forces Trust Fund Bill, into law. These bills were reintroduced and passed by the 10th Assembly, aiming to provide support for the Armed Forces and Defence.
The bills were initially passed by the 9th Assembly but did not receive President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent before the end of his administration. The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, emphasized the importance of these bills for national security and urged President Tinubu to sign them into law promptly.
The Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) Bill aims to stimulate local content in manufacturing tools and equipment needed for national security. It authorizes the agency to produce and supply arms and ammunition in Nigeria, allowing for the exclusive right to purchase, manufacture, and sell explosives. The bill also empowers the agency to set up subsidiaries in partnership with local and international companies to meet the material needs of the armed forces.
The Armed Forces Trust Fund Bill seeks to enable Nigeria’s Armed Forces to operate outside the usual envelope funding system, providing additional avenues for funding. The bill is expected to enhance the capabilities of the military and support its core mandates.
Deputy Speaker Kalu stressed that the bills align with the goal of stimulating the local economy and attracting patronage from other countries in Africa and beyond. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu, known for giving attention to the activities of the National Assembly, would ensure the swift enactment of these bills.
