Nigeria produces just over 50 million rounds of ammunition annually against an estimated requirement of 300 million, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle has said.
He disclosed this on the sidelines of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Eko Atlantic, Lagos, where he called for more investment and partnerships to expand the country’s domestic defence manufacturing capacity.
Matawalle, who also supervises the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), said the country had made progress in local ammunition production but still needed to scale up output to meet its requirements.
“We weren’t producing a single bullet in Nigeria before, but today we are producing over 50 million rounds of ammunition out of the 300 million rounds of ammunition required per year,” he said.
He added, “Once we meet our requirements and demands, insecurity will cease.”
The minister urged local and foreign investors to take advantage of government support and incentives to establish and expand defence manufacturing operations in Nigeria.
“Our message to investors is that the government of Nigeria is ready to support investors and give them incentives required. We will protect their investments,” he said.
Matawalle said Nigeria had engineers, scientists and defence professionals capable of developing indigenous technologies suited to the country’s security challenges.
He urged foreign partners to prioritise technology transfer and ensure that local engineers and technical personnel could sustain production after agreements were concluded.
“A good and trusted partner leaves behind the engineers and the technical crew that will continue to keep the production lines active,” he said.
The minister added that defence manufacturing partnerships required due diligence, clear processes and commitment, particularly in research, technology transfer, production and the procurement of military equipment.
AFRIDEX, organised by dmg events in partnership with DICON and backed by the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence, brings together governments, armed forces, manufacturers and technology providers to discuss defence capabilities and investment.
Matawalle also commended Nigerian troops fighting terrorists and other criminals, assuring them that the government would provide for their needs. He called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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