Thursday, October 29, 2026 - Nigeria will begin large-scale local production of defense hardware within the next year to meet domestic military requirements and export equipment to other African countries, Minister of Defense Christopher Musa has announced.
Musa disclosed the initiative following the maiden Africa
International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), an event that brought together
African governments, military institutions, defense manufacturers, and
technology innovators.
The planned production drive aims to reduce Nigeria's
reliance on imported military equipment and strengthen domestic manufacturing
capacity. Currently, Nigeria imports the majority of its defense hardware from
countries including the US, France, Italy, and China.
Within the next year, Nigeria will commence large-scale
local production of defence hardware to meet domestic requirements and support
exports to other African countries,” Musa said.
“This is an important step towards building a self-reliant
defence industry, strengthening our national security and positioning Nigeria
as a contributor to Africa’s defence manufacturing capacity.”
The minister noted that the federal government is pursuing
local manufacturing of weapons, ammunition, and essential defense systems
through targeted investments, technology transfers, research, and partnerships
with international manufacturers.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) will
serve a central role in expanding domestic output to supply the Nigerian Armed
Forces.
Musa added that AFRIDEX offered valuable opportunities for
Nigeria to deepen bilateral and multilateral security relations, exchange
expertise, and establish partnerships to address continental security
challenges. The exhibition encompassed land, air, maritime, space, and cyber
security sectors, connecting Africa’s defense requirements with industrial
capacity and investment.
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