DICON, Oida Energy Seal Historic Pact to Establish Nigeria’s First Oilfield Shaped Charge Facility
In a landmark move set to transform Nigeria’s energy and defence landscape, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Oida Energy Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the country’s first indigenous oilfield shaped charge manufacturing facility.
The signing ceremony, held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess & Suites in Abuja, brought together senior figures from government, industry, and the security sector. Among those present were the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Oida Energy, Engr. Emeka Ene, representatives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and other high-ranking officials.
The facility, once operational, will mark a major step toward Nigeria’s self-reliance in sensitive upstream technologies. It aligns with the Federal Government’s industrialization and local content agenda, helping to conserve foreign exchange, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance energy security. By producing safe and reliable shaped charges locally, the initiative is expected to improve upstream petroleum operations while bolstering national defence readiness.
“This agreement is a decisive step toward building indigenous capacity in strategic technologies vital for both security and economic growth,” said Major General Alaya.
Beyond strengthening Nigeria’s defence and energy value chains, the project will unlock wider socio-economic benefits. It will generate skilled employment, facilitate advanced technology transfer, and expand opportunities for Nigerian service providers across the oil and gas sector.
Highlighting Oida Energy’s commitment, Engr. Ene stated: “This partnership reflects our resolve to deliver world-class local manufacturing solutions that will empower Nigeria’s workforce, conserve resources, and fortify our nation’s industrial base.”
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) received special commendation for ensuring the project’s alignment with Nigeria’s local content policy. The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) was also praised for providing strong policy backing that created the enabling environment for this breakthrough.
The MoU stands as a model of collaboration between government, regulators, and industry. It not only sets a new benchmark for the oil and gas sector but also marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s quest for technological independence and sustainable development.
