The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive National Drone Industrialisation Policy to strengthen Nigeria’s defence manufacturing capacity and improve the country’s response to rising security challenges.
The lawmakers also urged the government to provide structured financial support for indigenous drone manufacturers, saying local companies need adequate funding to expand production and meet the operational requirements of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos) during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Presenting the motion, Kuye said Nigeria continues to face serious security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and pipeline vandalism, which have placed increasing pressure on the nation’s security forces.
He noted that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have become essential tools in modern warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance and counter-insurgency operations worldwide.
Kuye also warned that non-state armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have already deployed commercial drones in attacks against Nigerian troops, highlighting the urgent need for Nigeria to develop local drone manufacturing capabilities.
According to the lawmaker, Nigeria has the technical expertise, growing innovation ecosystem and industrial potential to become Africa’s leading hub for drone technology if supported by clear government policies, investment and legislation.
Following the debate, the House mandated its Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, Science and Technology, and Industry and Commerce to develop a National Drone Industrialisation Policy that would provide a roadmap for transforming the country’s drone manufacturing sector into a strategic, state-backed industry.
The committees were also directed to work with the Nigerian military and relevant government agencies to negotiate technology transfer agreements with reputable international drone manufacturers.
The proposed partnerships are expected to focus on training Nigerian engineers, increasing local production and reducing dependence on imported drone components.
In addition, lawmakers called for the establishment of dedicated Defence Industrial Zones for drone manufacturing, research, testing and maintenance.
The proposed zones would be supported with fiscal incentives, critical infrastructure and a favourable regulatory framework aimed at attracting both local and foreign investment into Nigeria’s defence technology sector.
