Local arms manufacturers in Nigeria are urging the government to fully implement the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act [1].
This push represents a strategic effort to shift the nation's security infrastructure toward self-reliance. By prioritizing local production, the country aims to mitigate the risks associated with foreign supply chains, and the high costs of importing military hardware.
The manufacturers are represented by the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) [1]. The group said that the full execution of the 2023 DICON Act [1] is essential to accelerate the growth of indigenous defence production. According to the association, the current level of dependence on imported equipment hinders the development of a robust domestic industry.
DIAN said that the implementation of the act would provide the necessary framework to support local factories and engineers. The goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where military needs are met by domestic capabilities rather than external vendors [1]. This transition would potentially lower the financial burden on the national budget by reducing the need for foreign currency expenditures on arms.
The association said that the government must take active steps to reduce dependence on foreign equipment to ensure long-term security stability [5]. By leveraging the 2023 legislation, Nigeria can foster technological innovation within its own borders, and create specialized jobs in the defence sector [1].
Supporters of the move argue that indigenous production allows for hardware tailored specifically to the unique operational environments and challenges faced by Nigerian security forces. The association continues to call for a policy shift that favors local procurement over international contracts [1].
“Local arms manufacturers in Nigeria are urging the government to fully implement the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act.”
This movement signals a broader push for economic sovereignty within Nigeria's security sector. By moving away from foreign imports, the government could reduce its vulnerability to international arms embargoes or diplomatic shifts that often disrupt the supply of critical military equipment.
