Nigeria Risks Military Setbacks By Relying On Imported Arms – DICON

Nigeria’s dependence on imported military hardware could expose its armed forces to critical equipment shortages, supply chain disruptions and operational delays, DICON-D7G has warned.

It, therefore, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous defence industry, calling for increased local manufacturing, technology transfer and strategic partnerships to reduce dependence on imported military equipment.

The chief executive officer, Mr Osman Chennar, stated this as the organisation participated as a major sponsor of the ongoing African Defence Industries Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos.

The organisation said building a strong domestic defence industry was critical to national security, military readiness and Nigeria’s long-term strategic independence.

It stressed that reliance on foreign suppliers could expose the country to supply chain disruptions, delays in equipment delivery and other challenges that could affect military operations.

“Developing local capacity in defence is not just about manufacturing equipment; it is about strengthening national security, building Nigerian expertise and ensuring that our Armed Forces have more reliable access to the capabilities they need,” the organisation said.

DICON-D7G noted that strategic partnerships and technology transfer were essential to bridging the gap between the operational requirements of the military and the capacity of local industries.

It described AFRIDEX as an important platform for bringing together government institutions, defence manufacturers, investors, researchers and technology companies to explore opportunities for local production and industrial cooperation.

The organisation said Nigeria must translate its technical expertise and industrial potential into practical defence capabilities through sustained investment, innovation and skills development.

“Local defence production offers Nigeria an opportunity to retain more defence expenditure within the domestic economy, create skilled employment and develop the technical expertise required to manufacture and maintain military equipment,” it added.

DICON-D7G also emphasised that collaboration between the government and the private sector would be crucial to building a sustainable military-industrial complex capable of meeting the country’s security needs.

Chennar, however, said strengthening indigenous manufacturing could also position Nigeria to supply defence equipment to other African countries, expanding the country’s role in the continent’s defence and security industry.