Alaya Advocates for Stronger Local Defense Industry

Major General Ibrahim Alaya, serving as the chairman of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), declared that a robust local defense industry is critical to improving 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 need for urgent and sustained efforts to strengthen Nigeria's local defense industry capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign military hardware and build a truly self-reliant defense industrial base. He reiterated that the effective implementation of the DICON Act 2023 is central to achieving these goals, providing a strong legal framework to promote local products, technology transfer, and private sector participation in defense manufacturing.

Alaya further urged DIAN members to intensify efforts toward achieving self-sufficiency in military hardware and related technologies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among government, industry stakeholders, and regulatory institutions to build a capable defense ecosystem. He also encouraged members to prepare for the upcoming African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) scheduled to be held in Lagos.