Nigeria to Start Producing Military Weapons Locally Within One Year, Defence Minister Announces

Nigeria will begin large-scale local production of military hardware within the next year to meet domestic defence needs and support exports to other African countries, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa has announced.

Musa made the announcement after attending the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, which brought together African governments, military institutions, defence manufacturers and technology innovators to explore ways to strengthen security cooperation.

He said the government was working to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported defence equipment by expanding indigenous manufacturing through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), with a focus on investment, research, technology transfer and partnerships with international manufacturers.

According to the minister, the initiative will boost local production of military equipment, weapons, ammunition and other essential defence systems, while improving the Armed Forces’ capacity to respond to security threats.

Musa added that AFRIDEX would help Nigeria build international partnerships, exchange expertise and develop a stronger defence industry capable of meeting national needs and supplying other African countries.