Nigeria’s import bill for arms and ammunition surged in the first half of 2025, with the country spending N26.95 billion on foreign weapons compared to N11.76 billion in the same period of 2024.

This represents a 129% increase year-on-year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics foreign trade report. The rise reverses the slump seen in 2024 and signals renewed military procurement, even as Nigeria battles security challenges.

The 2025 rebound is notable because it follows one of the weakest years on record. In H1 2024, imports fell to just N11.76 billion from a record N121.36 billion in H1 2023, representing a 90% collapse.

By contrast, the N26.95 billion spent in H1 2025 suggests the resumption of procurement contracts to defence. The spending was heavily concentrated in the first quarter, with imports in Q1 2025 amounting to N22.08 billion, more than double the N10.72 billion recorded in Q1 2024.

The renewed growth in military imports coincides with ongoing insecurity across Nigeria, with the government under pressure to strengthen security forces.

The 129% increase in imports points to greater investment in foreign arms as part of this response. However, the broader trajectory from 2021 to 2025 shows how volatile Nigeria’s defence imports have been, driven less by steady year-on-year growth and more by contract cycles, budget releases, and shifting government priorities.

The fiscal implications are significant, with defence imports adding to Nigeria’s trade imbalance and putting pressure on scarce foreign reserves. With debt servicing already consuming a large share of government revenue, rising arms imports may further squeeze fiscal space.

On the other hand, Nigeria recorded an upswing in its external trade position in the second quarter of 2025, as the country’s trade surplus widened by 44.3% to N7.46 trillion, up from N5.17 trillion in the previous quarter.