Strengthen local defence industry or risk security dependence – DIAN boss warns

ABUJA – The Chairman of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (Defence Industries Association of Nigeria), Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Alaya, has called for sustained and deliberate efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s local defence manufacturing capacity, warning that continued dependence on foreign military hardware undermines national security.

Alaya made the call during a high-level general meeting of members of the association held in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the General Secretary, Mr Kola Balogun.

He stressed that building indigenous defence production capacity was no longer optional but a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, a robust local defence industry would enhance the operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, guarantee timely access to critical military equipment, and improve supply chain resilience in ongoing security operations nationwide.

He also reiterated that the full implementation of the DICON Act 2023 remained central to achieving a self-reliant defence industrial base. The Act, he noted, provides a legal and institutional framework for local production, technology transfer, innovation, and private sector participation in defence manufacturing.

Alaya, who is also the Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria), urged members to intensify efforts towards self-sufficiency in military hardware production, describing indigenous capability as a critical pillar of national security.

He emphasised stronger collaboration between government, industry stakeholders and regulators as essential to building a sustainable defence ecosystem capable of meeting operational needs.

The meeting also reviewed plans to expand DIAN membership to include more credible indigenous companies across the defence value chain, with members agreeing that broader inclusion would boost innovation and deepen private sector participation.

Deliberations further focused on preparations for the forthcoming African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 26 to 29, 2026, where members were urged to showcase Nigeria’s growing defence technology capacity.

The meeting ended with a collective resolve to work closely with DICON and relevant agencies to build a resilient military-industrial complex for Nigeria.