DIAN Aims to Reduce Nigeria’s Overreliance on Foreign Defence Equipment

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) has presented a strategic plan to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign defence equipment by boosting local production of arms, ammunition and other military hardware.

The plan was announced at DIAN’s General Meeting in Abuja, where participants outlined steps to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and improve national security.

In a communiqué signed by the association’s General Secretary, Engr. Kola Balogun, on Friday in Abuja, DIAN said the strategy focuses on accelerating self‑reliance in defence production through innovation, industrial collaboration and enhanced local capacity.

The communiqué states that full implementation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 is essential to achieving this goal.

Engr. Balogun explained that the Act provides a framework for local manufacturing, technology transfer, reduced import dependence, foreign‑exchange savings and job creation.

The association also announced that more than 18 new members had joined DIAN, a sign of growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s defence industrial sector.

Balogun added that DIAN is developing a coordinated strategy to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and to advise the government on policies that reduce reliance on imported military hardware.

DIAN said the initiative would strengthen supply chains, attract investment and support ongoing efforts to address insecurity across the country.

However, the association identified weak coordination within the defence industrial ecosystem as a major challenge, calling for stronger institutional alignment and effective policy implementation.

As part of an internal restructuring, DIAN announced the dissolution of its pioneer executives and trustees, with new elections scheduled for July 2026.

The association also adopted a constitution to guide its operations and ensure transparency and accountability.

DIAN urged members to participate in the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) scheduled for October 2026 in Lagos.

According to the association, the event will provide a platform to showcase Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing capacity to local and international stakeholders.

Reaffirming its commitment to building a resilient and globally competitive military industrial complex, DIAN said the new direction would promote local procurement, create employment opportunities and enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities.