Defence Minister Says Global Wars Are Limiting Nigeria’s Access to Military Hardware

Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has said global conflicts are making it harder for Nigeria to obtain military equipment needed for security operations.

Musa spoke at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, where he linked the supply challenge to conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine, Iran, the United States and Israel.

“With the war in Ukraine, Russia, Iran, the U.S. and Israel, it’s been extremely difficult getting equipment,” Daily Post quoted him as saying.

The minister said countries directly involved in major conflicts often make advance payments and large orders, leaving other countries with limited access to weapons and defence systems. He argued that Nigeria could not continue to depend entirely on imported security solutions.

“The only solution is for us to produce what we need,” he said.

Musa also called for stronger local defence production and a better national database to help security agencies track criminals. Realnews Magazine quoted him as saying recent global conflicts had shown how difficult it can be to procure critical equipment during international crises.

The comments come at a time when Nigeria is battling banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and communal violence in several regions. The minister’s position suggests the government wants local industry to play a larger role in meeting security needs.

His remarks also put defence procurement in a wider economic frame, where foreign currency pressure, global demand and supply delays can affect how quickly security agencies receive equipment for field operations.

Sources: Daily Post; Realnews Magazine; The Nigerian Voice