The Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) said it is unveiling a new strategy to boost local production of military equipment aimed at strengthening national security, and targeting an end to the country’s dependence on import of defence hardware.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s General Meeting in Abuja, DIAN said the strategy is aimed at fast-tracking self-reliance in defence production through enhanced indigenous capacity, innovation, and industrial collaboration. The communique was signed by the General Secretary of DIAN, Engr. Kola Balogun.

The communique identified the full implementation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 as central to achieving the objective.

The Act provides a framework for local manufacturing, technology transfer, reduced import dependence, foreign exchange conservation, and job creation.

DIAN disclosed that more than 18 new members have been admitted into the association, signalling growing investors confidence in Nigeria’s defence industrial space, adding that it was also developing a coordinated strategy to deepen synergy among stakeholders and advise government on policies to cut reliance on imported military hardware.

The association noted that the initiative would strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

DIAN, however, pointed out that weak coordination within the defence industrial ecosystem was a major bottleneck and called for stronger institutional alignment and policy execution.

As part of internal reforms, it announced the dissolution of its pioneer executives and trustees, with fresh elections slated for July 2026, and adopted its constitution to guide operations and ensure transparency and accountability.

On the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) scheduled for Oct. 26 to Oct. 29, 2026 in Lagos, DIAN urged its members to participate in the event which will serve as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing capacity.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient and globally competitive military industrial complex to drive local procurement, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria’s defence capability.

The Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) is an association of indigenous private and public sector defence manufacturing organisations in Nigeria set up to meet the objectives of the Military Industrial Complex (MICs) via producing defence articles needed by the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies in the country.

Some statutory operations of the association are spelt out in the recent DICON Act of 2023 assented by President Bola Tinubu.