Nigeria Defence Minister blames global wars for arms shortage, urges local production

Defence Minister Christopher Musa told an audience at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja that ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Iran, the United States, Russia and Ukraine are severely limiting Nigeria’s ability to import military equipment. He said the situation makes it essential for Nigeria to expand indigenous defence manufacturing and urged greater government support for local manufacturers.

Musa also called on the National Assembly to create a comprehensive database of all Nigerians, arguing it would improve police effectiveness and crime prevention. He praised the police’s performance despite challenges, warned against public indifference to criminal activity, and appealed to state governors to ensure federal allocations translate into grassroots development. He also highlighted the need to regulate community security groups such as the Civilian Joint Task Force.