The Federal Government said it is laying the groundwork to end the importation of defence and security equipment within the next two to five years and produce all required hardware locally, the Minister of State for Defence said at an event in Abuja on Thursday.
Dr Bello Matawalle, speaking at the unveiling of the DICON X-Shield light tactical armoured vehicle and a range of civilian armoured vehicles manufactured in Nigeria, said the initiative marks the beginning of a broader strategy to develop indigenous defence production.
Matawalle said efforts to shift from imported defence assets to locally produced equipment are underway and that, in two to five years’ time, Nigeria aims to end its dependence on foreign suppliers for military and security hardware.
He was represented at the event by Major General Babatunde Alaya, Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). Matawalle said current manufacturing efforts are only the start of a long-term plan to build local capacity for all critical defence needs.
“The future of Nigeria’s defence and security capability will be built at home by Nigerian hands through trusted partnerships,” he said, according to the statement.
Matawalle said the strategy to localise production responds to the high cost and operational challenges associated with importing defence equipment. He said it will create skilled jobs, transfer technology and conserve foreign exchange reserves.
He said local manufacturing opens pathways for exporting Nigerian-made defence products and positioning the country as a regional leader in the defence industry.
The minister highlighted the importance of collaborations between DICON and private sector defence manufacturers. He commended X-Shield, a Nigerian firm involved in producing advanced armoured vehicles, for contributing to national capacity.
He said the locally produced tactical armoured vehicles showcased at the event reflect a growing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to manufacture sophisticated defence equipment that meets operational needs and cost-effectiveness.
DICON was established to drive indigenous defence production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. Successive government efforts have aimed at strengthening the Nigerian defence industry to meet internal needs and support export potential.
Recent policy shifts, supported by the DICON Act, have placed restrictions on arms importation and encouraged procurement of locally manufactured hardware when available.
Ending importation of defence equipment is expected to deepen Nigeria’s self-reliance in security matters. It is also likely to reduce foreign exchange outflows and enhance the nation’s operational readiness by shortening supply chains and building domestic production expertise.
The Federal Government has affirmed its commitment to ending the importation of defence and security equipment within the next two to five years.
The plan prioritises local production, strategic partnerships and strengthening DICON’s capacity, with potential benefits for national security and industrial growth.
