Nigeria will begin large-scale local production of military hardware within the next year to meet domestic defence needs and support exports to other African countries.
Defence Minister General Christopher Musa made the announcement on 27 October 2026 after attending the opening of the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition held at Eko Atlantic in Lagos.
The five-day exhibition brought together African governments, military institutions, defence manufacturers and technology innovators from more than 20 African countries.
Musa said the government was working to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported defence equipment by expanding indigenous manufacturing through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
The focus includes investment, research, technology transfer and partnerships with international manufacturers.
Push for Self-Reliance
“Within the next year, Nigeria will commence large-scale local production of defence hardware to meet domestic requirements and support exports to other African countries,” Musa stated.
He added that the initiative would boost local production of military equipment, weapons, ammunition and other essential defence systems while improving the Armed Forces’ capacity to respond to security threats.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, described the exhibition as a dynamic platform capable of achieving stronger continental defence cooperation.
The Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Major General B.I. Alaya, pledged to enhance the corporation’s production capacity and thanked President Bola Tinubu for continued support.
President Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urged African nations to strengthen their defence capabilities through local manufacturing, technology transfer and strategic partnerships.
Musa said the Africa International Defence Exhibition would help Nigeria build international partnerships, exchange expertise and develop a stronger defence industry capable of meeting national needs and supplying other African countries.
The exhibition runs until 30 October 2026 and has attracted the Chief of Defence Staff, serving and former service chiefs, the Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Defence, and representatives from more than 20 African countries including Senegal.
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