Why NDIC was not awarded bulletproof vests contract

Facts have emerged from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), on why contract for the production of ballistic vests and helmets for Joint Task Forces could not be given to the Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) Kaduna.


This followed recent media reports that the inability of the NSA to engage DICON in the production of 10,000 ballistic vests and 10,000 helmets for troops of the Joint Task Force had contradicted the call by President Goodluck Jonathan in July last year that the military and other security forces should patronize the company by buying its products with a view to enhancing local production.

A high level source at the ONSA office told Daily Trust that efforts were made to engage DICON in the production of the bulletproof vests and helmets but it was discovered that its vests failed standard tests and there is no way we can risk the lives of our soldiers by giving them sub-standard bulletproof vests. After the Presidents directive, the products were tested and found to be sub-standard both by the army and the police.

The source who sought identity protection said DICON entered into partnership with a foreign firm in the production of bulletproof jackets and helmets among others.

The foreign company has failed to deliver all previous contracts given to it by the military after collecting over 80 per cent of the monies. The contract included the repairs of six navy boats and K.38 patrol boats as well as ammunition supply to the army, the source said.

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