Reps seek enforcement of local content policy in defence procurement
August 4, 2026 6:38 pm
File: House of Reps Green Chamber
The House of Representatives Committee on Defence has pledged to push for the enforcement of the Federal Government’s local content policy to ensure the Armed Forces and other government agencies patronise indigenous manufacturers of military hardware.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch of AEGIS-X 2.0, a light tactical armoured vehicle developed by indigenous defence firm, X-Shield Solutions Company Limited.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Benjamin Ekeyi, Benson said Nigeria could no longer afford to spend huge sums importing defence equipment that could be produced locally.
He added that the committee had long advocated greater patronage of local defence manufacturers.
“A couple of years ago, we had a document showing the amount of money being spent on procuring items that Nigerians are already producing. I said we must stop this. We must encourage our indigenous producers,” he stated.
Benson said the committee intended to revive and strengthen the implementation of an existing presidential directive requiring ministries, departments and agencies to prioritise locally manufactured products where available.
“There was a presidential order recommending that unless a product cannot be found in Nigeria, every military institution and government agency should patronise local producers. We intend to reignite that and push it forward so that our Armed Forces can patronise companies like this,” he said.
He noted that the committee remained committed to strengthening indigenous defence production following the passage of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act.
“The DICON Bill was sponsored by our chairman, and when it was passed, I told him our work had only just begun. We had to ensure that the President assented to it, and he did everything necessary to make that happen,” Ekeyi said.
He commended X-Shield Solutions for developing the AEGIS-X 2.0 armoured vehicle locally, describing the product as comparable to, and in some cases, better than imported alternatives.
“I have seen the factory and the work they are doing. Having travelled and seen similar products abroad, I can tell you they stand even better than some of what we import,” he said.
He also praised the company’s youthful leadership for investing in Nigeria’s defence industry rather than relocating abroad.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of X-Shield Solutions Company Limited, Charles Ibanga, described the unveiling of AEGIS-X 2.0 as a milestone in Nigeria’s quest for defence industrialisation and strategic self-reliance.
He said the armoured vehicle was designed and manufactured by Nigerians to meet the country’s operational requirements in counter-terrorism, internal security, border protection, convoy escort and rapid tactical response operations.
According to him, the launch demonstrates that Nigeria has the capacity to build a sustainable defence manufacturing industry through collaboration between government, the military and the private sector.
Ibanga said the project aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen local manufacturing, create skilled jobs and position Nigeria as a defence production hub in Africa.
He described AEGIS-X 2.0 as a symbol of innovation, resilience and national pride, adding that the platform reflects the country’s growing ability to develop mission-ready technologies for its security agencies.
The development comes amid a broader push by Nigerian lawmakers and the Tinubu administration to strengthen local defence manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported military hardware.
A presidential directive already mandates that military agencies and ministries, departments and agencies patronise indigenous producers where possible, though enforcement has been inconsistent, a gap lawmakers say they now intend to address more forcefully.
Solomon Odeniyi is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over six years of professional experience. He has covered key national beats including the judiciary, military, and police, and currently reports on anti-corruption and related issues. Solomon’s work reflects a strong commitment to development-oriented reporting, public interest journalism, and accountability.
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