Reps advance legislation to drive drone industry development

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to promote the development and industrialisation of Nigeria’s drone industry.

The proposed private member’s bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and 12 others, seeks to move the country beyond dependence on imported technology towards developing its capacity to design, manufacture and commercialise drones.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, the Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, said it seeks to establish a legal and institutional framework for the development, promotion and industrialisation of Nigeria’s drone industry.

He explained that the bill focuses on indigenous research, design, manufacturing and commercialisation; reducing dependence on imported technology; building local content and technical capacity; attracting investment; creating jobs; and positioning Nigeria as a competitive regional and international hub for drone manufacturing and related services.

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Satomi lamented that Nigeria’s dependence on imported technology limits opportunities for local innovation, job creation and industrial growth. He added that without coordinated support for manufacturing and commercialisation, indigenous enterprises might struggle to turn promising ideas into viable products.

He urged his colleagues to support the bill, saying it seeks to address these gaps through targeted incentives, government procurement preferences, innovation funding and local content requirements.

He expressed optimism that the bill would transform Nigeria from a consumer of drone technology into a producer of indigenous solutions, skilled professionals and competitive industrial products. He added that its successful implementation could stimulate investment, create jobs, strengthen national security and open new markets for Nigerian innovation.

The lawmaker said: “It is important to note that the future belongs to nations that can transform technological innovation into industrial capacity, economic prosperity and national security. Drone technology is increasingly vital to agriculture, infrastructure, emergency response, scientific research and defence. Nigeria must therefore move beyond dependence on imported technology towards developing its own capacity to design, manufacture and commercialise drones.

“The Bill also provides safeguards for aviation safety, cybersecurity, data protection and national security, while preserving the statutory functions of relevant regulatory and defence authorities. It therefore seeks to balance industrial advancement with responsible technological development.

“This Bill, which seeks to establish a framework for building a competitive indigenous drone industry through local manufacturing, research, investment, technology transfer and skills development, contains 49 clauses divided into 12 parts.

“It creates the National Drone Industrialisation Council to coordinate policy, targets, incentives, partnerships, industrial zones and export development.

“National policy: Requires a National Drone Industrialisation Policy within 12 months of enactment, with measurable local-content, employment, research, manufacturing and export targets.

“Performance-based incentives: Provides for customs and import-duty concessions, research and development tax credits, accelerated capital allowances, grants, concessionary financing, certification support, and infrastructure and investment support, subject to conditions.”

When put to a voice vote, the bill was passed and referred to the relevant committee for further legislative action.