In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, the think tank urged the President Bola Tinubu administration to provide adequate funding for DICON and foster partnerships with countries such as Turkey and Israel to address expertise gaps.
“The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), established in 1964, should be the backbone of self-reliance. Instead, it is held back by underfunding and bureaucracy,” the statement said. It added that DICON’s OBJ-006 rifle, intended to symbolise self-sufficiency, still relies on imported parts.
IMPI contrasted Nigeria’s situation with that of South Africa’s Paramount Group, which produces armoured vehicles for global markets, and Turkey’s rapidly growing drone industry. The think tank noted that local firms like Proforce already manufacture mine-resistant vehicles, yet the military continues to import overpriced, refurbished equipment from foreign suppliers. It cited the $500 million 2014 contract for outdated Puma helicopters, which was marred by corruption, as evidence of systemic challenges.
“Nigeria has the capacity; what is missing is the political will,” Dr Akinsiju said. “Local arms production must be prioritised. DICON requires funding and partnerships with tech-savvy nations such as Turkey or Israel to bridge expertise gaps.”
The statement also highlighted the potential of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in advancing Nigeria’s drone technology. IMPI noted that AFIT has a team of skilled engineers and researchers actively involved in designing and developing indigenous drones for military, civilian, and scientific purposes.
The think tank’s recommendations come amid growing calls for Nigeria to reduce reliance on foreign arms imports and develop a self-sufficient defence industry capable of meeting national security needs.
