Nigeria is set to begin large-scale local production of military hardware within the next 12 months as the Federal Government moves to cut dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen the country’s defence manufacturing industry.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, disclosed this after attending the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, where African governments, military officials, defence manufacturers and technology experts explored opportunities for cooperation and indigenous production.
Musa said the government was working to expand the production capacity of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), with priority given to investment, research and development, technology transfer and partnerships with international manufacturers.
He said the initiative would target the local production of military equipment, weapons, ammunition and other essential defence systems required by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to the minister, building a stronger domestic defence industry would improve the military’s operational readiness, strengthen Nigeria’s response to security threats and reduce its vulnerability to disruptions in foreign supplies.
Musa also described AFRIDEX as a strategic platform for attracting investment, accessing technical expertise and establishing partnerships capable of accelerating the growth of Nigeria’s defence sector.
Beyond meeting domestic military needs, he said Nigeria could position itself as a supplier of defence equipment to other African countries as local manufacturing capacity expands.
The planned production drive forms part of broader efforts to develop Nigeria’s defence industrial base and build indigenous technological capabilities amid evolving security challenges.
However, the minister did not disclose the specific military hardware to be produced, the facilities involved, the level of investment committed or the detailed implementation schedule for individual projects.
