Reps Move to Strengthen Nigeria’s Drone Industry Through New Legislation

The Nigerian House of Representatives has taken another step towards developing the country’s drone manufacturing sector, as lawmakers consider a legislative framework aimed at strengthening local production and supporting the growth of indigenous technology.

The proposed National Drone Industrialisation Bill, 2026, is expected to provide a policy direction for building Nigeria’s capacity to design, manufacture and maintain unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and the need for Nigeria to develop more local solutions for defence, surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Lawmakers seek funding and technology partnerships

The proposed framework is expected to address key challenges facing local drone manufacturers, particularly limited access to finance, inadequate government backing and barriers to technology transfer.

Lawmakers have also called for structured financial support for Nigerian drone developers, including Beirech UAS, Terra Industries, Elites Group, Proforce and the Air Force Institute of Technology.

The proposed support could help eligible manufacturers increase production and develop equipment that meets the operational needs of the Nigerian military.

Local production seen as security priority

The push for a stronger domestic drone industry is linked to the growing use of unmanned aircraft for military operations, intelligence gathering, surveillance and counter-insurgency efforts.

Lawmakers have expressed concern that armed groups are also exploiting drone technology, making it increasingly important for Nigeria to improve its own technological capabilities.

Nigeria has already recorded progress in local drone development, including the Tsaigumi unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Air Force Institute of Technology in 2018.

However, lawmakers believe more investment and stronger government policies are needed to turn these efforts into a sustainable industrial sector.

Proposed measures to support the industry

Other measures proposed by the House include partnerships with foreign drone manufacturers to train Nigerian engineers, transfer technical knowledge and gradually reduce dependence on imported components.

Lawmakers have also called for dedicated defence industrial zones for drone production, research and maintenance, alongside incentives to attract local and foreign investors.

Relevant committees were tasked with developing the policy framework and reviewing existing laws to identify changes that could encourage local manufacturing and protect innovations by Nigerian engineers.

The proposed initiative could create opportunities for technology businesses, engineers and research institutions while strengthening Nigeria’s domestic defence manufacturing capacity.