The Federal Government of Nigeria is projected to save about N5.06 trillion annually by reducing reliance on imported defence equipment, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohamed Matawalle, announced on Thursday in Abuja.
The announcement coincided with the unveiling of the “X-Shield Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle,” produced by X-Shield, a homegrown defence and security solutions provider. Matawalle indicated that the government plans to phase out the importation of defence equipment within the next five years.
Represented by the Director General of the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, the minister described the unveiling as more than a product launch. He highlighted it as a demonstration of the convergence between national security needs, indigenous technical capabilities, industrial expertise, and commercial opportunity.
DICON’s joint venture with X-Shield resulted in the development of a locally conceptualized and built light tactical vehicle, alongside other indigenous solutions, including the armouring of executive vehicles.
“This is just the beginning. We do more so that we can ensure that all required defence and security equipment are produced locally. In two or five years, there will be no more importation of defence equipment,” Matawalle said.
He added that local production would conserve foreign exchange, promote export potential, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in defence manufacturing.
The move is expected to bolster the country’s defence industrial base while reducing costs and creating economic and employment opportunities within the sector.
