Nigeria to begin export of locally-made military hardware by year-end – Minister
Ojochenemi Onje
Nigeria is set to begin exporting locally-manufactured military equipment before the end of 2025, marking a major step forward in the country’s push for defence industry self-reliance.
Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence, made the announcement on Wednesday during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja.
According to the Minister, the move is expected to enhance Nigeria’s national security capabilities while generating foreign exchange through arms exports. He also revealed that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is partnering with Ajaokuta Steel Company to boost local arms production.
“We are working to activate a section of Ajaokuta to support DICON’s production capacity,” Abubakar stated. “Currently, 53 companies are engaged in defence-related manufacturing projects in the country, 10 of which have already commenced production of essential military items, including helmets, ballistic vests, and weapons components.”
The Minister added that by 20 December, the firms are expected to be in full production, paving the way for Nigeria’s first-ever military exports.
The Minister also addressed a wide range of national security issues, including the use of drones by terrorist groups, progress in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts, and intelligence on emerging extremist factions.
Responding to concerns about reports that terrorists are deploying armed drones, Abubakar dismissed claims that insurgents possessed more advanced technology than the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“That is absolutely not true. The drones used by terrorists are not military-grade. They are modified civilian drones, typically carrying no more than one to two kilograms of explosives. Our forces operate far more sophisticated surveillance and combat drones,” he asserted.
He further disclosed that Nigerian security agencies, in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser and international allies, are working to identify and disrupt the supply chains that provide these improvised drones to terrorist groups.
Commenting on the state of security in the Northwest, particularly Katsina and Zamfara States, the Minister reported tangible progress.
“Basari Local Government in Katsina has been liberated. The once-dangerous Jibia Road is now open and secure. We are also seeing improvements in Gusau, Zaria, and the volatile border areas near Cameroon,” he said.
While acknowledging that some regions remain unstable, Abubakar emphasised that military operations are ongoing and that incidences of kidnapping and killings have dropped significantly. “It’s a slow process, but we are seeing results,” he said.
Abubakar also confirmed that new extremist groups, including factions identified as Lakurawa and Mahmuda, are under close surveillance. These groups reportedly integrate into local communities before launching attacks, making them harder to detect.
“These groups evolve slowly and operate covertly, but we are tracking their movements and actively working to neutralise them,” he assured.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing a sustainable local defence industry. He also addressed a proposed summit by the House of Representatives, stating that while strategy is paramount, dialogue through summits plays a key role in shaping national defence policy.
“Summits allow stakeholders to contribute ideas, which inform our strategic framework. From there, the Chief of Defence Staff translates the strategy into operational plans,” he explained.
While challenges remain, he noted that the Government is determined to strengthen national defence through innovation, collaboration, and transparency.
BUSINESSDAY MEDIA LTD