Nigeria is rebranding its Defence Industries Corporation to standardise local production of military equipment, strengthen national security, and enhance indigenous capacity, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the Maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference, scheduled for August 25–27 in Abuja, Mr Musa outlined reforms in Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector.

He said all defence-related manufacturing firms would now operate under the Defence Industries Corporation to ensure coordination and standardisation.

Mr Musa said their operations would be subject to mandatory approval from the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Defence.

He said that Nigeria had already started procuring armoured vehicles, drones, and other military assets from local companies such as ProForce and Imperium, while also refurbishing damaged equipment to extend service life.

Mr Musa said, “We want to synergise and harmonise their work, standardise it, and make sure the equipment we produce does not get into the wrong hands.’’

He noted that the initiative would not only enhance national security but also create jobs, support local innovation, and open up export opportunities to neighbouring countries.

On regional collaboration, Mr Musa stressed the importance of joint efforts among African nations in tackling asymmetric threats, which he said “do not respect borders”.

He called for stronger cooperation through the African Standby Force and highlighted efforts to engage young Nigerian innovators in developing military-grade drones and weapon systems.

 (NAN)