Local Defense Industry Vital for Nigeria's Military Readiness

Major General Ibrahim Alaya, serving as the chairman of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) and director general of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), declared that a robust local defense industry is critical for enhancing the operational readiness of Nigeria's armed forces. He made this assertion during a high-level meeting with DIAN members held in Abuja.

Alaya stressed the necessity of developing indigenous capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign military hardware, which he described as essential for building a self-reliant defense industry. He highlighted the importance of the DICON Act 2023 in providing a strong legal framework to promote local products and encourage technology transfer and private sector participation in defense manufacturing.

Alaya urged DIAN members to intensify efforts towards achieving self-sufficiency in military hardware and related technologies. He also emphasized the need for collaboration among government, industry stakeholders, and regulatory institutions to build a defense ecosystem capable of meeting Nigeria's evolving operational requirements.