Federal Government to End Importation of Defence Equipment

The Federal Government has announced plans to end the importation of defence and security equipment, aiming to produce all required assets locally within the next two to five years. Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja, saying the initiative marks the start of a broader plan to build Nigeria’s defence and security capability at home. He added that future defence needs will be met through local production, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

Matawalle said local manufacturing will create skilled jobs, transfer technical knowledge, save foreign exchange, and open opportunities for exports. He noted that Nigeria spent over ₦5 trillion on imported armoured vehicles in the last quarter of 2023, more than the amount spent on fuel, showing the urgency of producing equipment locally. The plan forms part of the government’s strategy to strengthen the country’s defence industry, improve operational readiness, and establish Nigeria as a credible producer of military and security equipment.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale