Nigeria’s defense industry group is pushing for broader domestic production of military equipment as the country looks to reduce reliance on imported hardware.
Nigeria’s defense industry group is pushing for broader domestic production of military equipment as the country looks to reduce reliance on imported hardware.
The Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) said it is rolling out a new strategy centered on local manufacturing, industrial cooperation, and technology transfer to strengthen the country’s defense sector, according to Nigerian newspaper The Guardian.
In a communiqué released after its general meeting in Abuja, the association said implementation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 will play a key role in advancing self-reliance in military production.
The law expanded DICON’s authority, allowing licensed private firms to manufacture military equipment and ammunition while opening the sector to greater private investment.
DIAN said more than 18 companies recently joined the association, which it described as a sign of growing investor interest in Nigeria’s defense manufacturing sector.
Nigeria's Defense Production Efforts
Nigeria has introduced several initiatives in recent years aimed at expanding local defense manufacturing and reducing foreign procurement dependence.
In April, Abuja-based Terra Industries unveiled interceptor drones, mine-clearing unmanned vehicles, and battlefield intelligence software tailored for counter-insurgency operations.
The same month, DICON partnered with EIB Group to expand production of autonomous systems, tactical gear, and cyber solutions, alongside technology transfer efforts to strengthen local engineering expertise.
In March, Nigus International Investment Limited and UAE-based Elmirate Investment also signed a memorandum of understanding worth up to $200 million to develop Nigeria’s defense manufacturing capacity.
Earlier that month, Defense Minister Christopher Musa and Innovation Minister Kingsley Udeh discussed closer cooperation between the defense sector and national science and technology institutions, focusing on local capability development.
