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.
