The Nigerian Military, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Zumach Nig Ltd have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the production of indigenous Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
The signing ceremony, held today, Monday, 17th November 2025, at the Navy Holdings Limited Conference Room in Asokoro, Abuja, marks a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s defence manufacturing capabilities and enhancing troop protection against ambush attacks.
In his remarks, the DICON Director General, Major General BI Alaya, described the agreement as a “critical step towards building indigenous capacity in sensitive and strategic industrial technologies.” He emphasised that the collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of achieving self-reliance in defence production through public–private partnerships.
Major General B.I Alaya stated that the MRAP vehicles will be fully produced in Nigeria, utilising a combination of specialised design standards, advanced materials, and rigorous testing protocols to maximise crew survivability against blast threats. The initiative represents a major boost for local defence innovation and industrial development.
Dr Crystal Ezumah, Director of Operations at Zumach & Associates, reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to deliver on all assigned roles within the partnership.
“Partnering with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria is a privilege and a responsibility we take seriously,” she said. “Our team is fully prepared to deliver value-driven solutions, strengthen operational synergy, and work collaboratively with partners like Tag Dynamics to achieve measurable national impact.”
Also, the CEO/Managing Director of Zumach Nig Ltd, Dr. Chris Ezumah, said the partnership will not only improve the safety and mobility of troops on frontline operations but also deepen indigenous capacity in strategic manufacturing. When the facility becomes operational, it will support the production of safe, reliable, and locally engineered shaped charges for anti-bomb operations.
The project is expected to commence immediately and be completed within the next three months, creating jobs and further strengthening local defence innovation, expanding technical expertise, and reducing foreign exchange pressure by lowering dependence on imported defence equipment.
The ceremony also featured representatives from Zumach & Associates Ltd and partner subsidiaries, including Tag Dynamics, who reiterated their commitment to supporting DICON’s mandate through innovation-driven operational solutions.
A representative of Tag Dynamics also expressed confidence in the partnership, noting that the collective strength of the partner network will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial advancement.
The event was attended by the Director General of DICON, Major General B. I. Alaya; the CEO/Managing Director of Zumach Nig Ltd, Dr. Chris Emekah; senior directors; technical teams; and representatives from both organizations.
Zumach & Associates noted that it has already deployed the necessary operational structures and technical frameworks to ensure seamless execution of the collaborative initiatives.
The partnership is widely viewed as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive toward industrial self-sufficiency, defence innovation, and the modernization of its security apparatus.
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