The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has unveiled the first images of locally manufactured assault rifles, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push for indigenous military production. The photos, now making rounds on social media, showcase Nigeria’s ambition to reduce reliance on foreign arms imports by producing high-grade weapons domestically. Security analysts note that this move could bolster the country’s defense capabilities amid growing concerns over insecurity and insurgency. The rifles are said to be designed with modern features to compete with global standards, reflecting DICON’s efforts to enhance local technology and military self-sufficiency. The development has sparked excitement among Nigerians, many praising it as a breakthrough in homegrown defense innovation, while others urge the government to ensure mass production, quality testing, and proper deployment to troops on the frontlines. If mass-produced successfully, the Made-in-Nigeria rifles could become a game-changer for the nation’s armed forces and strengthen the country’s defense industry on the global stage.

PRESS RELEASE by the Nigerian Digital Media and Public Awareness Initiative (NDMPAI)

PRESS RELEASE by the Nigerian Digital Media and Public Awareness Initiative

Reported by-

Mr Joseph Ogorugba & Kennedy Apede  (NDMPAI) Delta State News Center

 Mr. Mathew Ezra- (NDMPAI) Kaduna State News Center

Mr. Alemoh Augustine- (NDMPAI) Edo State News Center  

 Mr. Anyigor Monday- (NDMPAI) Ebonyi State News Center 

 Mr. Umar Usman - (NDMPAI) Jigawa  State News Center  

 Engr. Jabir  Yakubu- (NDMPAI) Kano State News Center  

Mr. Abubakar Suna -  (NDMPAI) Zamfara  State News Center  

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The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has unveiled the first images of locally manufactured assault rifles, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push for indigenous military production.

The photos, now making rounds on social media, showcase Nigeria’s ambition to reduce reliance on foreign arms imports by producing high-grade weapons domestically. Security analysts note that this move could bolster the country’s defense capabilities amid growing concerns over insecurity and insurgency.

The rifles are said to be designed with modern features to compete with global standards, reflecting DICON’s efforts to enhance local technology and military self-sufficiency.

The development has sparked excitement among Nigerians, many praising it as a breakthrough in homegrown defense innovation, while others urge the government to ensure mass production, quality testing, and proper deployment to troops on the frontlines.

If mass-produced successfully, the Made-in-Nigeria rifles could become a game-changer for the nation’s armed forces and strengthen the country’s defense industry on the global stage.

 

PRESS RELEASE

Nigerian Digital Media and Public Awareness Initiative (NDMPI) F.CT 

Date: August 27, 2025

 

Former Senator Dino Melaye Summoned to Court Over Alleged Multi-Year Tax Evasion

The Nigerian Digital Media and Public Awareness Initiative (NDMPI) reports that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court has issued a criminal summons against former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, over alleged non-payment and underpayment of personal income taxes across several years.

The summons, dated August 21, 2025, requires Melaye to appear before the Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone II, Abuja, on September 5, 2025, to answer charges concerning his alleged failure to pay mandatory taxes for 2023 and 2024, in addition to under-declared and underpaid taxes in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

According to records obtained from the FCT Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Melaye declared significant annual incomes but paid disproportionately low taxes:

• 2019: Paid N85,000.08

• 2020: Paid N100,000.08

• 2021: Paid N120,000.00

• 2022: Paid N1,000,000.00, despite declaring income of over N6.5 million

An administrative tax assessment for 2023 and 2024 was issued on May 23, 2025. After Melaye allegedly failed to respond within 30 days, a Best of Judgment Assessment was raised on June 23, 2025.

Attempts to serve the notice personally or via his representatives were unsuccessful. Consequently, the IRS pasted the notice at his Maitama residence on July 9, 2025.

The IRS assessed Melaye’s total outstanding liabilities as follows:

• N234,896,000.00 for 2023

• N274,712,000.00 for 2024

The official notice stated:

“Despite reminders and ample time provided, your non-compliance with Section 41 of the Personal Income Tax Act constitutes a breach of your obligations. Consequently, the Service has raised a Best of Judgment Assessment in respect of your tax liabilities for 2023 and 2024.”

Further reviews are expected to address income under-declaration and underpayment for 2020–2022.

Dino Melaye, a high-profile politician and former lawmaker in both the Senate and House of Representatives, previously chaired key Senate committees including Aviation and FCT. He also contested as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 11, 2023 Kogi State governorship election.

The matter is now before the FCT Magistrate Court, with the first hearing scheduled for September 5, 2025.

Meet the Delta State Coordinators – NDMPAI

 The Nigerian Digital Media & Public Awareness Initiative (NDMPAI) is proud to introduce the Delta State Chapter, officially recognized as part of our growing national network.

Mr. Frank Joseph (State Coordinator).

Mr. Kennedy Apkepde.

Chukwu Emeka Ndego 

From the onset, the Delta team has worked tirelessly to set up structures that ensure the smooth flow of information, grassroots engagement, and the promotion of good governance across the state. Their dedication has already placed them among the fastest-growing state chapters within NDMPAI.

Leading the chapter are Mr. Frank Joseph (State Coordinator) and Mr. Kennedy (Assistant Coordinator), Chukwu Emeka Ndego (Secretary), who have shown impressive commitment to information sharing, public awareness, and collaborative growth.

We warmly invite all members and the good people of Delta State to work hand in hand with the coordinators to build harmony, strengthen information flow, and advance the state’s development through digital media.

👏 Delta State is officially on board — standing strong at both state and national levels as part of the NDMPAI family.

📌 This announcement is published on the Official Blog Site of NDMPAI—the central channel for news sharing, awareness, and updates across Nigeria.

✨ NDMPAI – Nigeria’s Digital Voice for Governance and Change.