Local arms manufacturers under the umbrella of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria have called for the full implementation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act 2023 to accelerate indigenous defence production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported military hardware.
The demand formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s General Meeting held in Abuja and signed by the General Secretary of DIAN, Engr. Kola Balogun, on Friday.
The association said the implementation of the Act was critical to achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing through improved local capacity, innovation, and industrial collaboration.
The communiqué read, “To fast-track self-reliance in defence production through enhanced indigenous capacity, innovation, and industrial collaboration, the full implementation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act 2023 is central to achieving this objective.
“The Act provides a framework for local manufacturing, technology transfer, reduced import dependence, foreign exchange conservation, and job creation.”
DIAN noted that effective implementation of the law would strengthen Nigeria’s defence industrial base, boost local procurement, and improve the country’s capacity to address growing security challenges.
The association said it was developing a coordinated strategy to deepen collaboration among stakeholders and advise government on policies aimed at cutting reliance on imported military equipment.
It added that the initiative would help strengthen supply chains, attract investment into the defence sector, and support efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
DIAN disclosed that over 18 new members had been admitted into the association, describing the development as an indication of increasing investor confidence in Nigeria’s defence manufacturing space.
The association, however, expressed concern over weak coordination within the defence industrial ecosystem, describing it as a major bottleneck to growth.
It, therefore, called for stronger institutional alignment and effective policy execution to ensure the objectives of the DICON Act are fully realised.
As part of internal restructuring, DIAN announced the dissolution of its pioneer executives and trustees, with fresh elections scheduled for July 2026.
The association also adopted its constitution to guide operations and ensure transparency and accountability in its activities.
It further urged members to participate in the African International Defence Exhibition scheduled to hold in Lagos from Oct. 26 to Oct. 29, 2026.
According to DIAN, the exhibition will serve as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities and attract partnerships within the global defence industry.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to building “a resilient and globally competitive military industrial complex” capable of creating jobs and enhancing national security.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act 2023 was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 to reposition Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector and reduce the country’s heavy dependence on imported military hardware.
The law was designed to expand the powers of DICON beyond the production of small arms and ammunition to include the manufacturing, storage, distribution and maintenance of a wider range of military equipment through partnerships with local and foreign investors.
Under the new framework, DICON is expected to promote indigenous military production, encourage research and innovation, create jobs, strengthen national security, and support Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in defence procurement.
Read the full article here
