Nigeria will begin large-scale local production of defence {hardware} within the following year to meet home navy necessities and export gear to different African nations, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has mentioned.
Mr Musa disclosed this in an announcement on Tuesday following the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), which introduced collectively African governments, navy establishments, defence producers and expertise innovators.
He mentioned the deliberate production would help Nigeria’s efforts to scale back dependence on imported navy gear and strengthen its home defence manufacturing capability.
“Within the next year, Nigeria will commence large-scale local production of defence hardware to meet domestic requirements and support exports to other African countries,” Mr Musa mentioned.
“This is an important step towards building a self-reliant defence industry, strengthening our national security and positioning Nigeria as a contributor to Africa’s defence manufacturing capacity.”
The minister mentioned the federal government was pursuing local production of navy gear, weapons, ammunition and different important defence techniques by funding, expertise switch, analysis and collaboration with worldwide producers.
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He mentioned the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) was central to efforts to increase home manufacturing capability and produce gear required by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
PREMIUM TIMES reviews that Nigeria at present imports most of its navy {hardware} from nations such because the US, France, Italy and China.
Mr Musa mentioned AFRIDEX would additionally present alternatives for Nigeria to deepen bilateral and multilateral safety relations, change experience and set up partnerships aimed toward addressing safety challenges throughout the continent.
The exhibition coated land, air, maritime, area and cyber safety, with a give attention to connecting Africa’s safety necessities with the expertise, experience, funding and industrial capability wanted to deal with them.
The minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting indigenous defence production and initiatives aimed toward strengthening nationwide safety.
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