Reps seek national drone policy to boost local defence production, tackle insecurity

The House of Representatives has called for the federal government to implement a National Drone Industrialisation Policy to bolster Nigeria's defence manufacturing capabilities and address persistent security threats. The push comes amid concerns over the country's reliance on imported unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the increasing use of drones by non-state actors such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP). Lawmakers, led by Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos), argue that a structured policy framework is essential to transform Nigeria’s nascent drone industry into a strategically supported sector capable of meeting military needs. The motion, adopted during a plenary session on Wednesday, was spearheaded by Kuye, who highlighted the escalating security challenges facing the nation. He pointed to ongoing threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and pipeline sabotage, all of which have placed immense pressure on the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies. According to Kuye, drones have emerged as vital tools in modern conflict, enabling intelligence gathering, surveillance, and counterinsurgency efforts. However, he warned that these technologies are being exploited by insurgent groups, undermining the effectiveness of security forces. Kuye emphasized that while Nigeria has made initial strides in developing indigenous drone technology, such as the Tsaigumi UAV created by the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in 2018—the country still lacks a comprehensive national strategy. He noted that the drone manufacturing sector remains heavily reliant on private enterprises, which struggle with limited access to capital and insufficient government backing. Without a coordinated approach involving technology transfer, legislative incentives, and dedicated defence industrial zones, he argued, Nigerian manufacturers will find it difficult to produce advanced systems that meet military specifications. The resolution calls for the federal government to offer structured financial support to verified local drone manufacturers, including Beirech UAS, Terra Industries, Elites Group, Proforce, and AFIT. This support is intended to help these firms scale up production and comply with military procurement standards. In addition, the House has tasked several committees with drafting a National Drone Industrialisation Policy that would guide the transition of the sector from an informal, entrepreneur-driven model to a more regulated and state-backed industry. Among the mandates assigned to the committees is the development of a policy framework that includes technology transfer agreements with international drone manufacturers. These collaborations, the lawmakers believe, would not only improve technical expertise among Nigerian engineers but also foster local production and reduce dependency on foreign components. The committees have also been instructed to establish dedicated Defence Industrial Zones focused on drone manufacturing, research, and maintenance. These zones would benefit from incentives, infrastructure, and regulatory structures designed to attract investment and stimulate growth. Furthermore, the House has directed committees to review existing legislation related to defence procurement, local content requirements, aviation regulations, and investment incentives. The aim is to enact amendments that would create a more conducive environment for drone industrialisation, including tax breaks and stronger protections for locally developed intellectual property. These measures are seen as crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the global drone market. The move reflects broader efforts by Nigerian policymakers to leverage the country’s strengths in engineering talent, a burgeoning tech startup scene, and existing military-industrial ties to position itself as a regional leader in drone technology. With Nigeria currently ranked as Africa’s largest economy, the lawmakers argue that the right combination of policy, finance, and legal support could unlock significant opportunities for both national security and economic development. As the government moves forward with implementing this agenda, the success of the initiative will depend on how effectively these recommendations are translated into actionable strategies and sustained investments.