Arms: Nigeria plans large-scale production for its forces and Africa

Nigerian Defence Minister Christopher Musa announced in Lagos on October 27, 2026, that Nigeria aims to begin large-scale local production of defence equipment within a year, meeting domestic needs and exporting to other African countries. The plan is intended to reduce reliance on imports as the country’s armed forces confront armed groups and criminal gangs. At the AFRIDEX exhibition, President Bola Tinubu backed strategic partnerships, while DICON director-general Major General B.I. Alaya pledged to expand production capacity. Musa has promoted the goal since 2025 and pointed to Brazil as an example of defence-industry development.