Nigeria is advancing plans to reduce its dependence on imported military equipment as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria D7G (DICON-D7G) works towards establishing local production lines for armoured vehicles, anti-drone platforms and specialised defence equipment.
The local defence production initiative is being pursued in partnership with Eagles International for Defence Systems. The collaboration is expected to support technology transfer, expand indigenous manufacturing capacity, create employment and strengthen Nigeria’s ability to respond to evolving security threats.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by DICON-D7G Chief Executive Officer, Mr Osman Chennar, following a two-day inspection of factories and military production facilities in Cairo by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and his delegation.
During the inspection, the Nigerian delegation assessed defence production systems and platforms being considered for manufacturing in Nigeria. Chennar said the partnership would facilitate the transfer of advanced military technologies and establish production lines for a broad range of military platforms.
According to him, the long-term objective includes developing Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture defence equipment locally and potentially export military hardware to other African countries.
The initial phase is expected to create employment for more than 200 workers. It is also expected to provide opportunities for about 100 retired military personnel whose technical knowledge and experience could be deployed within the emerging defence-industrial ecosystem.
The proposed production portfolio includes the Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle BR6, Armoured Personnel Carrier cabins, 120mm manual mortar launcher cabins, and specialised medical evacuation and ambulance cabins.
Other platforms listed for possible production include the MRAP Buffalo U.10 and M.12, MRAP-Buffalo F-4, Rhino Guard GXR anti-drone and RPG-protected vehicle, APC Moon PT6, GXR Phantom light vehicle and BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The local defence production push comes as Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other asymmetric security threats. The Nigerian Army has already begun receiving locally manufactured armoured vehicles, indicating a gradual move towards a domestic defence supply chain.
DICON-D7G is also planning a dedicated military jetty in Lagos to support logistics and distribution. Chennar said the facility would move raw materials, components and finished equipment and could create jobs for more than 200 retired military personnel and over 1,000 civilians.
The planned expansion could reduce exposure to foreign supply disruptions, retain defence spending within Nigeria, develop specialised manpower and strengthen military operational sustainability. The partnership is consequently being positioned as a broader effort to establish a Nigerian defence-industrial ecosystem capable of manufacturing, maintaining and eventually exporting critical military platforms.
