Reps want FG to create drone policy to boost local defence production

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to create a National Drone Industrialisation Policy. This move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s defence manufacturing and cut down on the country's reliance on imported drones.

The resolution came after a motion by Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos) was adopted during a session on Wednesday.

In his presentation, Mr Kuye pointed out that Nigeria faces ongoing security challenges. These include terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and pipeline vandalism. These issues have put a lot of pressure on the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He explained that drones are now crucial in modern warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and counter-insurgency efforts. He noted that non-state armed groups are using drones against Nigerian forces.

“Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have become indispensable tools of modern warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and counterinsurgency operations globally. Non-state armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), are already deploying commercial drones against Nigerian troops,” he said.

Mr Kuye mentioned that Nigeria has started making progress in local drone manufacturing. He pointed to the Tsaigumi UAV developed by the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in 2018 as a key achievement.

Still, he raised concerns that the country's drone manufacturing is mainly led by private companies. These firms face challenges such as limited access to funding and a lack of support from the government.

He stated that without a structured national policy, a technology transfer framework, incentives, and special defence zones, Nigerian drone makers cannot grow or create advanced systems that meet military needs.

Mr Kuye believes Nigeria has the right people and institutions to become a leading drone technology hub in Africa. He highlighted the country’s engineering talent, rising tech entrepreneurship, military-industrial partnerships, and its status as Africa’s largest economy as major advantages.

He argued that Nigeria could make the most of these advantages with focused government policies, sufficient funding, and legislative backing.

Resolution

The House adopted the motion without any debate.

After the adoption, the House urged the federal government to provide financial support to verified Nigerian drone companies. This support will help these companies expand and meet military standards.

The companies mentioned in the resolution include Beirech UAS, Terra Industries, Elites Group, Proforce, and AFIT.

Lawmakers also asked for the creation and adoption of a National Drone Industrialisation Policy. This policy will help transition Nigeria’s drone manufacturing from a mainly entrepreneurial phase to a structured, government-supported industry.

The House directed its Committees on Defence and National Security and Intelligence to work with the Nigerian military and relevant government bodies. Their task is to identify and formalise technology transfer agreements with trusted international drone manufacturers.

They also directed the Committees on Defence, Industry, and Commerce to collaborate with relevant agencies to set up dedicated Defence Industrial Zones for drone manufacturing, research, and maintenance.

Additionally, the Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, Industry, Commerce, and Science and Technology will review existing laws and regulations on drone manufacturing and related technologies.

This review will aim to find gaps that might be hindering the growth of the local drone industry. It will also suggest legislative measures to support local production while ensuring national security is not compromised.

The resolution is meant to enhance cooperation among the government, military, local manufacturers, research institutions, and the private sector. This collaboration will help build a sustainable defence-industrial ecosystem.