Nigeria TV Info

N804bn Arms Imports Spark Calls for Local Production

Nigeria has reportedly spent about N804 billion on arms imports in recent years, raising fresh concerns over the nation’s dependence on foreign suppliers. Security analysts and stakeholders argue that such huge spending drains the economy and exposes the country to external vulnerabilities.

Calls are growing for the federal government to invest in local arms production to reduce costs, boost national security, and create jobs. Experts insist that with rising insecurity challenges, Nigeria must prioritize building a sustainable defence industry capable of producing weapons and military equipment locally.

Civil society groups also argue that domestic production would not only save foreign exchange but also strengthen Nigeria’s sovereignty, ensuring the military is not left vulnerable to shifting international politics and supply restrictions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has assured that steps are being taken to expand collaboration with local industries under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to enhance weapons manufacturing capacity.