Tech Expert Urges FG To Introduce Incentives For Local Military Entrepreneurs
By SUMAILA OGBAJE
A defence and Security Tech Expert, Zulaykhah Aileru, has called on the Federal Government to introduce targeted incentives for local defence technology entrepreneurs, to promote indigenous innovation in defence production.
Aileru, a certified protection and security professional (PSP, CPP), made the call in her opinion on the future of Nigeria’s defence industry and the continent’s overreliance on foreign military imports.
She described indigenous innovation as critical to Nigeria’s long-term security and economic stability.
She said incentives such as tax holidays, export credits, and accelerated approvals for research and field testing would help reduce dependence on external suppliers and stimulate growth of homegrown military-industrial complex.
“Nigeria has spent billions of dollars importing military equipment, but very little of that investment has built local capacity or created sustainable jobs.
“We must reward innovation within our borders. Local defence firms developing drones, surveillance systems, and smart armour are already demonstrating world-class potential, but they need an enabling environment to scale,” she said.
Aileru noted that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and recent partnerships with agencies like NASENI, NOTAP, and DIAN are steps in the right direction, but urged a more robust policy framework to support public-private collaboration.
She further cited Executive Order 5, signed in 2018, as a key milestone in promoting local content and indigenous technology across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), but stressed that enforcement and private sector engagement remain critical.
“We cannot afford to outsource our national security. Building an indigenous defence ecosystem is not optional, it is a strategic imperative,” she said.
The expert also warned that Nigeria’s continued dependence on foreign arms manufacturers exposes the country to geopolitical risks and supply disruptions, referencing past delays in arms procurement during peak conflict with Boko Haram.
She called for a shift in mindset from “procurement dependency” to “production sovereignty,” arguing that Africa has the talent, terrain experience, and urgency to build its own defence technology base.
“The time to act is now. If we truly want national pride, economic growth, and strategic independence, we must build, not just buy,” Aileru said.
(NAN)
