In a decisive move to modernize Nigeria’s defense infrastructure and counter evolving security threats, Honourable Ademorin A. Kuye has called on the Federal Government to establish and execute a National Drone Industrialisation Policy urgently.
Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Hon. Kuye highlighted the growing urgency of equipping Nigeria’s Armed Forces with indigenous, cutting-edge technology to combat terrorism, banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and pipeline vandalism across the country.
Hon. Kuye emphasized that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have transitioned from auxiliary tools to indispensable assets in modern warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and counter-insurgency operations.
Alarmingly, non-state armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), are already modifying and deploying commercial drones against Nigerian troops. To maintain tactical superiority, Nigeria must build a robust domestic industry capable of producing, servicing, and innovating military-grade UAVs.
According to Hon. Ademorin A. Kuye, “Nigeria possesses a vast pool of engineering talent, a vibrant technology ecosystem, and the largest economy on the continent. We have all the foundational elements to become Africa’s primary hub for drone technology. What we lack, and urgently need, is a structured government framework, deliberate capital investment, and robust legislative backing.”
While acknowledging early milestones, such as the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology’s (AFIT) development of the Tsaigumi UAV in 2018, Hon. Kuye expressed deep concern that Nigeria’s drone manufacturing ecosystem remains under-capitalized, fragmented, and predominantly private-sector-driven.
Without state-backed technology transfer frameworks, dedicated defense zones, or deliberate procurement policies, local pioneers struggle to scale their operations to meet military demand.
To address these systemic bottlenecks, the House of Representatives has resolved to:
Urge the Federal Government to extend direct capital support through the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and special funding vehicles to verified local drone manufacturers—including Beirech UAS, Terra Industries, Elites Group, Pro-force, and AFIT—to scale production to international military standards.
Mandate the House Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, Science and Technology, and Industry & Commerce to draft a National Drone Industrialisation Policy establishing a clear roadmap for sector growth.
Direct relevant committees to partner with the Military to secure structured technology-transfer agreements with leading foreign manufacturers, mandating local engineer training, localized assembly, and progressive reduction of imported components.
Mandate the Committees on Defence, Industry, and Commerce to establish special Defence Industrial Zones for UAV research, manufacturing, and maintenance, supported by fiscal incentives, reliable infrastructure, and regulatory ease.
Undertake a comprehensive review of existing defense procurement, local content, aviation, and investment laws to introduce tax exemptions, protect indigenous intellectual property, and guarantee local content priority in defense spending.
The joint House Committees have been mandated to carry out these directives, conduct necessary stakeholder consultations, and report back to the House within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
