The House of Representatives Committee on Defence has pledged to strengthen enforcement of the Federal Government’s local content policy to ensure that the Armed Forces and other government agencies patronise indigenous manufacturers of military equipment.
The Chairman of the committee, Babajimi Benson, made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja during the unveiling of AEGIS-X 2.0, a light tactical armoured vehicle developed by Nigerian defence company, X-Shield Solutions Company Limited.
Benson, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Benjamin Ekeyi, said Nigeria could no longer afford to spend huge sums importing military hardware that could be produced locally.
He noted that the committee had consistently advocated greater support for indigenous 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 said.
Benson said the committee would revive and strengthen the implementation of an existing presidential directive requiring ministries, departments and agencies to prioritise locally manufactured products where suitable alternatives were available in Nigeria.
“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 stated.
The committee chairman also reaffirmed the lawmakers’ commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous defence industry following the passage of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act.
Ekeyi said the committee’s work did not end with the passage of the legislation, stressing the importance of ensuring that the law was fully implemented.
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 superior to, 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, Charles Ibanga, described the unveiling of AEGIS-X 2.0 as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of defence industrialisation and strategic self-reliance.
Ibanga said the armoured vehicle was designed and manufactured by Nigerians to meet operational requirements in counter-terrorism, internal security, border protection, convoy escort and rapid tactical response operations.
He said the project demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to develop a sustainable defence manufacturing industry through collaboration among government, the military and the private sector.
According to him, the initiative also aligns with efforts to strengthen local manufacturing, create skilled employment and position Nigeria as a major defence production hub in Africa.
Ibanga described AEGIS-X 2.0 as a product of innovation, resilience and national pride, adding that the vehicle reflects Nigeria’s growing capacity to develop mission-ready technologies for its security agencies.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by lawmakers and the administration of President Bola Tinubu to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce the country’s reliance on imported military hardware.
Although an existing presidential directive requires government agencies to patronise indigenous manufacturers where suitable products are available, lawmakers have expressed concerns over inconsistent enforcement and pledged to take steps to ensure greater compliance.
