Nigeria is set to begin exporting locally manufactured military equipment before the end of 2025, marking a major step forward in the country’s push for defence industry self-reliance.

Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar made the disclosure on Wednesday during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the move is expected to enhance Nigeria’s national security capabilities while generating foreign exchange through arms exports.

He also revealed that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is partnering with Ajaokuta Steel Company to boost local arms production.

“We are working to activate a section of Ajaokuta to support DICON’s production capacity,” he said.

“Currently, 53 companies are engaged in defence-related manufacturing projects in the country, 10 of which have already commenced production of essential military items, including helmets, ballistic vests, and weapons components.”

The Minister added that by December, 20 firms are expected to be in full production, paving the way for Nigeria’s first-ever military exports.

The Minister also addressed a wide range of national security issues, including the use of drones by terrorist groups, progress in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts, and intelligence on emerging extremist factions.

Responding to concerns about reports that terrorists are deploying armed drones, Abubakar dismissed claims that insurgents possessed more advanced technology than the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“That is absolutely not true. The drones used by terrorists are not military-grade. They are modified civilian drones, typically carrying no more than one to two kilograms of explosives. Our forces operate far more sophisticated surveillance and combat drones,” he asserted.

He disclosed that Nigerian security agencies, in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser and international allies, are working to identify and disrupt the supply chains that provide these improvised drones to terrorist groups.