Nigerian Lawmakers Push for National Drone Policy to Boost Defense and Security

Nigeria's House of Representatives has called for the establishment of a National Drone Industrialisation Policy, aiming to bolster the nation's defense manufacturing capabilities and improve its response to security challenges. The lawmakers emphasized the need for structured financial support for local drone manufacturers, including companies like Beirech UAS, Terra Industries, and Elites Group, through institutions such as the Bank of Industry and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.

This initiative seeks to enable indigenous manufacturers to scale production and meet rigorous military procurement standards. The resolution followed a motion highlighting concerns over the worsening security situation, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, which strain the capacity of security agencies. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, are recognized as critical tools in modern warfare for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and counter-insurgency operations.

The representatives noted that while terrorist groups are deploying commercial drones, Nigeria has shown progress in indigenous drone technology, citing the Air Force Institute of Technology's Tsaigumi UAV developed in 2018. They believe Nigeria possesses the necessary human capital, technological potential, and industrial base to become Africa's leading drone technology hub with the right government policies and investment.

However, the sector remains largely private-sector driven, facing challenges with funding access, inadequate government support, and weak technology transfer. The House has mandated its committees to develop the policy, aiming to transform the drone sector into a structured, government-supported strategic industry.

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The House is concerned that Nigeria, with a pool of engineering talent, a growing technology entrepreneurship ecosystem, existing military-industrial partnerships and the largest economy in Africa, possesses the foundational conditions to become the hub for drone technology, provided there is structured government policy, capital and legislative support.