Assessing Nigeria’s Defence Industrial Base for Enhancing Defence Industrial Autonomy in Ghana
Authors
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), National Defence University (NDU), Ghana (Ghana)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100900347
Subject Category: Defence
Volume/Issue: 10/9 | Page No: 5123-5140
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-09-21
Accepted: 2026-09-26
Published: 2026-10-10
Abstract
Contemporary security environment has reinforced the importance of Defence Industrial Bases (DIBs) in achieving Defence Industrial Autonomy (DIA). This paper assesses Nigeria’s DIB to identify lessons for strengthening Ghana’s defence industrial capability. Using a comparative analytical approach, it examines Nigeria’s defence industrial evolution, policies, achievements and constraints, focusing on the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). The study finds that Nigeria has strengthened indigenous production through the DICON Act 2023, local content policies, defence partnerships, research and development, and private-sector participation. However, challenges remain, including technological dependence, inadequate infrastructure, limited skilled manpower, weak research capacity and funding constraints. Ghana’s DIB remains constrained by limited industrial capacity, weak legal institutionalisation and reliance on foreign defence procurement. The paper concludes that Ghana can enhance DIA by strengthening its legal framework, expanding public-private partnerships, investing in defence infrastructure, human capital and research, and adopting sustainable funding mechanisms to achieve long-term defence self-reliance.
Keywords
Defence Industrial Base; Defence Industrial Autonomy; Defence Self-Reliance; Public-Private Partnerships; Technology Transfer.
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