The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in a meeting held in Abuja announced that the local production of military and paramilitary uniforms will start by January 2023. ICRC buttressed that the production will be a unanimous venture between Sur Corporate Wear Nig. Ltd and Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
The collaborative production which is set to be for a period of 20 years will see to the production of uniforms for the Paramilitary, Army, Police, Airforce, Civil Defence, and other military organizations.
Mr. Michael Ohiani in a meeting with ICRC’s Acting Director-General enjoined the stakeholders in the project to ensure issues relating to the completion of the factory are addressed and reported back to the commission in a week.
At a rescheduled meeting, Dr. Jobson Ewalefor, the Director of the Contract Compliance Department (CCD) who also headed the meeting applauded the vision and also stressed that it will create over 920 jobs. He however enjoined the stakeholders to be prompt and ensure the project is brought to life within the expected date.
Sur Corporate Wears Ltd and Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the duo in charge of the production are expected to also get the needed materials within Nigeria.
According to Mr. Ewalefor, ICRC through Contract Compliance Department will monitor the project from time to time till its completion, and interact with appropriate government officials and agencies to hasten the process of securing approval for off-takers when the production starts.
The Managing Director of Sur Corporate Wear Ltd., Burhan Can Karabulut appreciated the ICRC for coming through and ensuring the project was brought back to life.
He also commended the investors who agreed to release funds for the completion of the project after the prevailing intervention or ICRC.
Mr. Burhan stated that 68 percent of the fund has been raised and the remaining will soon be released to meet their completion goals.
He also stated that the proposed designs for the uniforms are yet to be approved which explains why the company cannot source materials yet.
Mr Burhan also noted that commissioning is expected to start in January provided that work resumes in July, although, it will not be a 100 percent production.
