Abuja — Nigeria’s heavy reliance on foreign arms has come under renewed scrutiny following revelations that the country spent about ₦804 billion on weapons and ammunition imports in the last five years.
Figures show that in 2024 alone, more than ₦520 billion was spent on arms purchases from abroad — the highest single-year total in recent times. The development has sparked growing calls from defence experts and stakeholders for urgent investment in local arms manufacturing.
Analysts argue that the dependence on imports not only drains scarce foreign exchange but also leaves the nation vulnerable in times of urgent security needs. They say Nigeria’s security challenges require a more reliable supply chain that only local production can guarantee.
Although the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has been tasked with driving indigenous production, stakeholders insist that progress has been too slow. They note that despite the passage of the DICON Act in 2023 to strengthen the agency, implementation has not matched expectations.
Defence analysts and industry operators are now pressing the federal government to provide stronger policy backing, increased funding, and incentives for technology transfer. They also want security agencies to give preference to home-grown products where possible.
Some stakeholders further propose restrictions on importing weapons that can be produced locally, warning that without bold action, the country will remain dependent on costly foreign suppliers.
For now, Nigeria stands at a crossroads: either continue with its import-heavy model or take decisive steps to build a self-reliant defence industry that can meet the demands of its armed forces.
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