Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has said that ongoing global conflicts are making it increasingly difficult for Nigeria to acquire military hardware needed to address insecurity.
He made the statement in Abuja during the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026, noting that wars involving Israel, Iran, Russia, Ukraine and the United States have significantly strained global defence supply chains.
According to him, many producing countries are currently prioritising their own military needs and placing large advance orders, leaving limited availability for other nations seeking to purchase equipment. He warned that this trend has created delays and shortages in procurement processes for countries like Nigeria.
The minister stressed that the situation highlights the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s local defence production capacity. He urged greater government backing for indigenous manufacturers and innovators in the defence sector as a long-term solution to supply challenges.
Beyond equipment shortages, Musa also raised concern over the lack of a comprehensive national database, saying it continues to hinder the work of security agencies, especially in tracking criminal activity and improving intelligence gathering. He argued that effective policing depends heavily on reliable data.
He praised the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that despite operational limitations, officers continue to record successes in tackling crime.
Musa also called on citizens to support security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious activities, saying community cooperation remains essential in addressing insecurity.
He further urged state governments to ensure that increased federal allocations are used to improve living conditions, pointing out that poverty, unemployment and poor education remain key drivers of crime.
The minister also warned against poor regulation of local security groups such as the Civilian Joint Task Force, noting that while they have contributed to counter-insurgency efforts in the past, improper vetting and control could create further security risks.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said the National Assembly would continue to support security agencies through legislation, oversight and funding.
He added that Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be solved by military action alone, stressing the need to address underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment, weak governance and social exclusion.
