Nigeria is set to strengthen its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities with plans to begin local production of armoured vehicles, anti-drone systems and other specialised military platforms.
The development was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON-D7G), Mr. Osman Chennar, following a two-day inspection tour of defence production facilities in Cairo, Egypt, by a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle.
According to Chennar, the initiative is being implemented through a strategic partnership between DICON-D7G and Eagles International for Defence Systems. The collaboration is expected to facilitate technology transfer, boost domestic manufacturing capacity and significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported military hardware.
He explained that the project would create employment opportunities for more than 200 workers while also providing specialised roles for about 100 retired military personnel.
The partnership aims to establish local production lines for a variety of defence equipment, including armoured personnel carriers, anti-drone systems, infantry fighting vehicles and mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles.
Among the platforms expected to be produced locally are the Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle BR6, MRAP-Buffalo series armoured vehicles, Rhino Guard anti-drone vehicles, APC Moon PT6, GXR Phantom light vehicles and the BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
Chennar said the long-term objective is to position Nigeria as a regional defence manufacturing hub capable of supplying military equipment to other African countries.
He noted that the Nigerian Army has already begun receiving locally manufactured armoured vehicles, demonstrating growing confidence in domestic defence production.
In addition, DICON-D7G is planning the construction of a dedicated military jetty in Lagos to strengthen logistics and supply chain operations associated with defence manufacturing.
The proposed facility will facilitate the transportation of raw materials, components and finished military equipment and could become a strategic distribution hub for defence products across the continent.
According to Chennar, construction of the jetty is expected to commence within the next two months and could generate employment for more than 1,000 civilians alongside hundreds of retired military personnel.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s self-reliance in defence production while improving the operational capabilities of the nation’s armed forces.
