Nigeria is expanding efforts to build a more self reliant defence manufacturing industry, with plans for local production of armoured vehicles, anti drone systems and other specialised military equipment.
The initiative is being pursued through a partnership involving the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria D7G and Eagles International for Defence Systems.
Defence officials say the arrangement is intended to support technology transfer, increase domestic manufacturing capacity and create jobs.
Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle recently led a Nigerian delegation on an inspection of factories and military production facilities in Cairo.
The visit focused on equipment and production systems that could support Nigeria’s defence manufacturing plans.
DICON D7G Chief Executive Osman Chennar said the first phase of the partnership could create more than 200 jobs and provide opportunities for around 100 retired military personnel.
The proposed production lines are intended to allow Nigeria to assemble or manufacture a wider range of platforms for the Armed Forces.
Equipment identified under the programme includes armoured multipurpose vehicles, personnel carrier cabins, mortar launcher cabins, medical evacuation units and mine resistant vehicles.
Other planned platforms include anti drone and rocket protected vehicles, light armoured vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles.
Chennar said the programme could eventually allow Nigeria to supply defence equipment to other African countries.
The corporation is also developing a military jetty in Lagos to improve the movement of raw materials, components and finished equipment.
Officials said the jetty could employ more than 1,000 civilians and hundreds of retired military personnel when operational.
The Nigerian Army has already begun receiving locally manufactured armoured vehicles.
Defence officials say the broader objective is to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, retain more defence spending within Nigeria and build an industrial base capable of supporting national security requirements.
