N804bn arms imports spark calls for local production

Nigeria’s staggering expenditure of ₦804.10 billion on arms and ammunition imports between 2020 and mid-2025 has renewed urgent calls for a shift towards local defense production.¹ Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that the import bill continues to rise, despite government efforts to boost the domestic defense industry.²

This heavy reliance on foreign suppliers has sparked concerns from stakeholders, including manufacturers, who highlight the multifaceted drawbacks.³

Key concerns and calls for action:

• Foreign Exchange Drain: The massive import bill places a significant strain on Nigeria’s scarce foreign reserves.⁴ Local manufacturers argue that if this money were invested in domestic production, it would save foreign exchange and strengthen the value of the Naira.⁵
• National Security Vulnerability: Experts warn that a country dependent on external suppliers for its defense is vulnerable to foreign embargoes and political conditions.⁶ This was a critical issue during the peak of the Boko Haram crisis, when Nigeria reportedly faced difficulties acquiring arms from some countries.⁷
• Slow Progress on Reforms: While the government has taken steps, such as President Bola Tinubu signing the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act of 2023, which aims to create a robust military-industrial complex, the implementation has been slow. Stakeholders say that despite the new law, reforms are yet to gain full momentum.⁸
• Economic and Industrial Benefits: Proponents of local production argue that it would not only enhance national security but also create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and foster the development of a skilled workforce.⁹ By localizing production, Nigeria could eventually position itself as a regional defense supplier, earning foreign exchange through exports.¹⁰

The call for local production is not new, but the latest import figures underscore the urgent need for a more concerted and practical approach to policy implementation.¹¹ Experts suggest that to truly succeed, the government must move beyond rhetoric and provide concrete support for local manufacturers, foster partnerships, and address the fundamental weaknesses in the nation’s industrial base.