The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has called on the Federal Government to urgently prioritise local arms production as a strategic response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, urging increased funding and reforms for the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, the think tank appealed to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place DICON at the centre of a renewed push for defence self-reliance, supported by adequate funding and international technical partnerships.
IMPI noted that although DICON was established in 1964 to drive indigenous military production, decades of underfunding and bureaucratic constraints have limited its impact. It cited the OBJ-006 rifle, designed as a symbol of Nigeria’s self-sufficiency, which still depends heavily on imported components.
Drawing comparisons, the think tank highlighted South Africa’s Paramount Group, which exports armoured vehicles globally, and Turkey’s rapidly expanding drone industry as examples of what political commitment and sustained investment can achieve.
“Nigeria has the capacity; what is missing is the political will,” IMPI stated, adding that local defence manufacturers such as Proforce already produce mine-resistant vehicles, yet the country continues to import costly and sometimes refurbished military equipment through questionable middlemen.
The statement also referenced the controversial 2014 acquisition of outdated Puma helicopters, valued at about $500 million, as evidence of systemic weaknesses and procurement failures that undermine national security and economic efficiency.
To bridge expertise gaps and accelerate innovation, IMPI recommended strategic partnerships with technologically advanced countries such as Turkey and Israel, stressing that such collaborations would strengthen local production rather than perpetuate dependence on imports.
Beyond DICON, the think tank pointed to the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) as a critical asset in advancing Nigeria’s drone technology. According to IMPI, AFIT’s engineers and researchers are already developing indigenous drones for military, civilian, and scientific applications and should be better supported to scale their work.
IMPI concluded that prioritising local arms production would not only enhance Nigeria’s security architecture but also conserve foreign exchange, create skilled jobs, and position the country as a credible player in Africa’s defence manufacturing landscape.
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