The Nigerian military has commenced local production of armoured personnel carriers, bulletproof glass, surveillance drones, and other key military equipment, according to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
This development was revealed in a statement released on Wednesday by the minister’s media aide, Mati Ali, following Badaru’s two-day working tour of major military establishments in Kaduna State.
During the visit, the minister inspected operations at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Army Command Engineering Depot, Buffalo Engineering Technical Services Limited, and the Air Force Institute of Technology.
He noted that there had been “significant progress” in the local production and refurbishment of military equipment.
Accompanied by top military officials, Badaru reviewed various ongoing projects and held discussions with personnel engaged in the production and maintenance of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, tanks, and similar platforms.
“During my inspections, I witnessed the impressive capabilities in repairing and refurbishing damaged MRAP vehicles, tanks, and APCs,” the statement quoted him as saying. “New combat platforms—including Buffalo APCs, MRAPs, bulletproof glass, spare parts, and surveillance UAVs—are being developed in our workshops. Some of these assets are already being redeployed to operational theatres.”
The minister commended the progress made by the institutions involved, emphasising the need to enhance domestic defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
The statement also highlighted the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill into law by President Bola Tinubu as a major milestone. The new legislation grants DICON authority over ordnance factories and fosters innovation through the newly established Defence Industry Technology, Research and Development Institute . It also introduces a regulatory structure for the manufacture, distribution, and disposal of military materials.
Badaru concluded by urging continuous support for institutions like the NDA, AFIT, CED, and BETSL, stressing their role in developing a competent and self-sufficient defence workforce.
