Nigeria will commence large-scale local production of weapons and other defence equipment within the next year, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to reduce reliance on foreign military suppliers and strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed this following the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), which brought together African governments, military institutions, defence manufacturers and technology innovators.

Musa said the planned production expansion would enable Nigeria to meet the equipment requirements of its armed forces while creating opportunities to supply military hardware to other African countries.

“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,” he stated.

The minister explained that the initiative was part of the government’s broader strategy to develop a self-reliant defence industry, enhance national security and strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to Africa’s defence manufacturing sector.

He noted that the government was pursuing local production of weapons, ammunition and essential defence systems through strategic investments, technology transfers, research and partnerships with international manufacturers.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is expected to play a leading role in expanding domestic production and supplying the Nigerian Armed Forces with locally manufactured military equipment.

Nigeria currently depends significantly on foreign countries, including the United States, France, Italy and China, for its defence hardware. The proposed initiative is expected to strengthen local industrial capacity and reduce dependence on imported equipment.

Musa also highlighted the importance of AFRIDEX in promoting defence cooperation, facilitating the exchange of expertise and establishing strategic partnerships to address security challenges across Africa.

The exhibition covered land, air, maritime, space and cyber security, bringing together stakeholders to explore opportunities for technological innovation, industrial development and investment in the continent’s defence sector.

The planned expansion of local production underscores Nigeria’s ambition to build a stronger domestic defence industry capable of meeting national security needs and supplying equipment to other African countries.