Reps Call for National Drone Policy, Support for Local Manufacturers

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to introduce a comprehensive National Drone Industrialisation Policy aimed at strengthening Nigeria's defence manufacturing capacity and improving the country's response to growing security challenges.

The lawmakers also urged the government to provide structured financial support to indigenous drone manufacturers, saying local companies need funding and policy backing to expand production and meet the operational requirements of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Rep. Ademorin Kuye, who stressed that Nigeria continues to face serious security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and pipeline vandalism. He noted that drones have become essential tools for surveillance, intelligence gathering and counter-insurgency operations worldwide.

Kuye warned that terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have increasingly used commercial drones in attacks against Nigerian security forces, highlighting the urgent need for Nigeria to build its own drone manufacturing industry.

He added that despite Nigeria's engineering expertise, growing technology sector and military-industrial partnerships, the country's drone industry remains underdeveloped due to inadequate government support, limited investment and the absence of a clear national policy.

The House praised the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology for developing the locally produced Tsaigumi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in 2018, describing it as evidence of Nigeria's technical capability to manufacture military-grade drones.

Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to provide funding for verified indigenous drone manufacturers, including Beirech UAS, Terra Industries, Elites Group, Pro-force and the Air Force Institute of Technology through institutions such as the Bank of Industry and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.

The House also directed its Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, Science and Technology, and Industry and Commerce to develop a National Drone Industrialisation Policy that will establish a clear roadmap for expanding Nigeria's drone manufacturing industry.

In addition, the committees were instructed to work with the military and relevant government agencies to negotiate technology transfer agreements with international drone manufacturers, prioritising the training of Nigerian engineers, local production and reducing reliance on imported components.

The lawmakers further recommended the establishment of dedicated Defence Industrial Zones for drone manufacturing, research, testing and maintenance, supported by tax incentives, critical infrastructure and favourable investment policies.

The committees have been given four weeks to present their recommendations for further legislative action.