Nigeria to build military jetty in Lagos, boost local defense production

Nigeria is intensifying efforts to bolster its indigenous defense industry, aiming to establish local production lines for armored vehicles, anti-drone systems, and other specialized military equipment. This initiative, spearheaded by the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON-D7G) in collaboration with Eagles International for Defence Systems, seeks to enhance technology transfer, expand domestic manufacturing capabilities, and reduce reliance on imported military hardware.

A key component of this strategy is the planned construction of a strategic military jetty in Lagos within the next three months. DICON-D7G's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Osman Chennar, revealed this plan following a two-day inspection tour of factories and military production facilities in Cairo by Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and his delegation. Chennar highlighted that the partnership is projected to create over 200 jobs, with an additional 100 opportunities for retired military personnel.

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The partnership is expected to create employment for over 200 workers, in addition to providing opportunities for approximately 100 retired military personnel.

The collaboration is expected to facilitate the transfer of advanced defense technologies to Nigeria, enabling the local manufacture of a wider array of military platforms. These include the Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle BR6, Armoured Personnel Carrier cabin, 120mm manual mortar launcher cabin, medical evacuation and ambulance cabins, MRAP-Buffalo U.10 and M.12 armored vehicles, MRAP-Buffalo F-4, Rhino Guard GXR anti-drone and RPG-protected vehicle, APC Moon PT6, GXR Phantom light vehicle, and BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

This development is part of a broader strategy to cultivate a sustainable Nigerian defense manufacturing ecosystem capable of designing, assembling, and producing military equipment domestically. The initiative aligns with the Nigerian Army's ongoing efforts to strengthen indigenous defense production and enhance its operational capacity through the procurement of locally manufactured armored vehicles.

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The facility would serve as a strategic logistics hub for the supply and distribution of military equipment within Nigeria and across the African continent.