The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand local production of military equipment as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence industry, reduce dependence on imported hardware and create jobs.
The proposed initiative targets the local manufacture of armoured vehicles, anti-drone systems and other specialised military equipment, with more than 1,200 potential jobs expected to be created through the defence industrial drive.
The plan, highlighted in the latest edition of the Federal Government’s FGN Connect publication, is being advanced through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), in partnership with Eagles International for Defence Systems.
The partnership is expected to support the production of armoured vehicles, anti-drone systems and other specialised defence equipment in Nigeria.
The Federal Government is also planning further manufacturing partnerships projected to create more than 200 additional jobs, while a planned military jetty in Lagos is expected to generate over 1,000 civilian jobs.
According to the government, the local production drive is aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported military hardware while bringing advanced defence technology, technical skills and manufacturing capacity into the country.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen indigenous businesses, create opportunities for engineers and skilled workers and retain more value within the Nigerian economy.
FG Targets Defence Industrial Expansion
The government said the proposed expansion of local defence manufacturing would benefit the Nigerian Armed Forces, engineers, skilled workers, indigenous businesses, local manufacturers, retired military personnel and the wider economy.
The initiative is expected to create a stronger industrial base capable of supporting the Armed Forces with locally produced equipment and reducing delays and costs associated with dependence on foreign suppliers.
As part of the plan, a technical inspection of defence manufacturing facilities in Egypt has been undertaken as the government explores opportunities for local production and technology transfer.
A military jetty is also planned for Lagos to support the movement of raw materials, components and finished defence equipment.
The government said the initiative would help develop local technical capacity while creating an environment for Nigerian manufacturers to participate more actively in the defence supply chain.
‘Stronger Defence Industry Will Boost Economy’
The Federal Government said the development of a stronger domestic defence industry would have implications beyond national security, particularly through job creation, skills development and industrial growth.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said expanding local defence production would strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base and improve the country’s ability to respond to its security needs using locally developed capacity.
“A stronger defence industry is also a stronger industrial economy. By expanding local production, Nigeria is building technical capacity, creating jobs and strengthening our ability to meet national security needs from within,” Idris said.
The government said the local production drive forms part of broader efforts to build indigenous capacity and ensure that defence spending contributes more significantly to domestic economic development.
It added that increasing the number of military platforms and specialised equipment produced locally would provide more opportunities for Nigerian businesses and professionals while strengthening the country’s technological capabilities.
The proposed initiative is expected to deepen collaboration between government institutions, the military, local manufacturers, technology companies and international partners as Nigeria works towards a more self-reliant defence industrial base.
