In a passionate address at the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja, Kola Balogun, Secretary-General of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), urged the Nigerian government, military, and police to increase their adoption of locally produced defence equipment. Balogun emphasized that strengthening Nigeria’s homegrown defence industry is a critical step toward improving national security, curbing insurgency, and fostering economic growth. He noted that heavy reliance on foreign weapons has left Nigeria vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, inflated procurement costs, and limited self-reliance in critical security operations.
Balogun highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s defence industry to not only secure the nation but also create jobs, especially for young Nigerians in rural and urban communities. “When our people are gainfully engaged in productive industries like defence manufacturing, it reduces unemployment and limits the ability of insurgent groups to lure citizens with false promises,” he said. He added that local production creates a value chain that empowers engineers, technicians, and suppliers, while keeping billions of naira circulating within the domestic economy rather than flowing overseas.
According to DIAN, Nigeria already has strong policy foundations that support local production, including the Local Content Act and Executive Order 5, both of which promote indigenous capacity in critical sectors. However, Balogun stressed that these policies need stronger enforcement and consistent government backing to deliver their intended impact. He called for clear procurement mandates that prioritize Nigerian-made equipment, transparent contract awards, and structured incentives that will allow local manufacturers to compete globally.
This call comes at a time when Nigeria’s defence manufacturing capabilities are on the rise. The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has set an ambitious goal to meet at least 40% of the nation’s defence hardware needs by 2027. Recent partnerships, including a $1 billion agreement with India, are expected to boost production capacity and accelerate the export of Nigerian-made weapons. Similarly, collaborations with Ajaokuta Steel Company are aimed at supplying critical materials for producing armored vehicles, firearms, and other advanced hardware.
Private sector players are also stepping up to meet the country’s defence needs. Indigenous firms like Proforce Nigeria Limited and E-PAIL are producing armored personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles, tactical protective gear, and other specialized equipment tailored to Nigeria’s security challenges. These innovations not only enhance the operational effectiveness of security forces but also position Nigeria as a potential hub for defence exports in West Africa.
Balogun also proposed a broader vision of a collaborative African defence ecosystem, where Nigeria could lead efforts to standardize technologies and share equipment across borders to improve collective regional security. This vision, he argued, would not only help African nations respond to insurgencies and terrorism but also reduce the continent’s dependence on foreign military suppliers.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Many manufacturers face hurdles such as inadequate infrastructure, high financing costs, and inconsistent power supply, which limit their capacity to scale. Balogun urged the government to address these bottlenecks by investing in enabling infrastructure, providing low-interest loans to manufacturers, and offering tax incentives that would make local production more competitive.
The Ministry of Defence has echoed similar sentiments, signaling a shift in policy toward greater reliance on local resources. Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru recently announced plans to phase out dependence on foreign equipment in favor of homegrown solutions. He described this transition as a pathway to national security autonomy and economic empowerment.
The push for indigenous production is also expected to enhance Nigeria’s export potential. By the end of the year, the government plans to begin exporting certain categories of locally produced hardware, including armored vehicles and light tactical weapons, to friendly nations. This move could open new revenue streams and further establish Nigeria as a key player in the global defence industry.
As insecurity remains a pressing issue in various parts of the country, stakeholders agree that building a robust domestic defence industry is no longer optional—it is a necessity. By supporting local manufacturers through policy enforcement, infrastructure investments, and fair procurement practices, Nigeria could create a sustainable ecosystem where security and economic growth go hand in hand.
Balogun’s message is clear: Nigeria has the talent, technology, and resources to produce world-class defence equipment. What is needed now is unwavering political will, consistent policy implementation, and coordinated collaboration between the government, private sector, and military. If these elements align, the country could soon achieve a level of security self-sufficiency that not only protects its citizens but also transforms its economy and cements its role as a regional leader in defence innovation.