Local arms manufacturers under the umbrella of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) have called for the full implementation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act 2023 to strengthen indigenous defence production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported military hardware.
The demand was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s General Meeting held in Abuja by the General Secretary of DIAN, Kola Balogun, on Friday.
The association said full implementation of the Act was critical to achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing through improved local capacity, innovation and industrial collaboration.
According to the communiqué, ‘To fast-track self-reliance in defence production through enhanced indigenous capacity, innovation, and industrial collaboration, the full implementation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act 2023 is central to achieving this objective.
‘The Act provides a framework for local manufacturing, technology transfer, reduced import dependence, foreign exchange conservation, and job creation’.
DIAN said effective implementation of the law would strengthen Nigeria’s defence industrial base, boost local procurement and improve the country’s capacity to address growing security challenges.
The association stated that it was developing a coordinated strategy to deepen collaboration among stakeholders and advise government on policies aimed at reducing reliance on imported military equipment.
It added that the initiative would help strengthen supply chains, attract investment into the defence sector and support efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
DIAN disclosed that over 18 new members had been admitted into the association, describing the development as an indication of growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s defence manufacturing space.
The association, however, expressed concern over weak coordination within the defence industrial ecosystem, describing it as a major constraint to growth.
It therefore called for stronger institutional alignment and effective policy implementation to ensure the objectives of the DICON Act are fully achieved.
As part of internal restructuring, DIAN announced the dissolution of its pioneer executives and trustees, with fresh elections scheduled for July 2026.
The association also adopted its constitution to guide operations and ensure transparency and accountability.
It urged members to participate in the African International Defence Exhibition scheduled to hold in Lagos from 26 to 29 October 2026.
According to DIAN, the exhibition would serve as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing capacity and attract partnerships within the global defence industry.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to building a ‘resilient and globally competitive military industrial complex’ capable of creating jobs and enhancing national security.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act 2023, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, was designed to reposition Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector and reduce dependence on imported military hardware.
The law expands the mandate of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria beyond small arms and ammunition to include manufacturing, storage, distribution and maintenance of a wider range of military equipment through partnerships with local and foreign investors.
It is also expected to promote indigenous production, encourage research and innovation, create jobs, strengthen national security and support Nigeria’s drive for self-reliance in defence procurement.
