By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chairman of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), Ibrahim Alaya, has stressed the need for urgent and sustained investment in Nigeria’s local defence industry to strengthen national security and reduce reliance on imported military hardware.
Alaya made the call during a high-level meeting of DIAN members held in Abuja on May 13, where key stakeholders in the defence manufacturing sector reviewed ongoing reforms and strategies aimed at accelerating implementation of the DICON Act 2023.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by DIAN General Secretary, Kola Balogun.
Addressing participants at the meeting, Alaya said strengthening indigenous defence production had become imperative for Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that local manufacturing capacity would improve the operational readiness of the Armed Forces and guarantee timely access to critical military equipment.
He added that enhanced local production would improve supply chain resilience and support ongoing military and security operations across the country.
Alaya, who also serves as Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, said the successful implementation of the DICON Act 2023 remained vital to building a self-reliant defence industrial base.
According to him, the legislation provides a solid legal and institutional framework for advancing local production, promoting technology transfer, encouraging innovation and expanding private sector participation in defence manufacturing.
He urged members of DIAN to intensify efforts towards achieving self-sufficiency in the production of military hardware and related technologies, describing indigenous defence manufacturing as a key pillar of national security.
The DIAN chairman also underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among government institutions, private sector operators and regulatory agencies in building a sustainable defence ecosystem capable of meeting Nigeria’s operational needs.
He revealed that the meeting reviewed plans to expand DIAN membership to accommodate more indigenous firms and stakeholders across the defence and security value chain.
According to him, members agreed that broader inclusion would strengthen partnerships, stimulate innovation and deepen private sector participation in local defence production.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the forthcoming African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), slated for Lagos from Oct. 26 to 29, 2026.
Alaya encouraged members to utilise the platform to showcase Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities and technological innovations to both domestic and international audiences.
He said members resolved to work closely with DICON and other relevant government agencies to build a resilient and self-sustaining military-industrial complex for Nigeria.
