Nigeria CBRN Defence Market Size and Forecast by Threat Type, Equipment, End User, and Platform: 2019-2033

Nigeria CBRN Defence Industry Outlook

The Nigeria CBRN defence market is entering a critical growth phase, shaped by evolving threat dynamics, heightened national security priorities, and regional counter-terrorism efforts. As West Africa’s largest economy and most populous country, Nigeria faces unique vulnerabilities tied to its oil infrastructure, dense urban hubs, and insurgent activity in the northeast. These challenges have elevated CBRN risk preparedness to a top-tier defence agenda item. In 2025, the Nigerian Ministry of Defence expanded its threat matrix to include non-conventional attacks against national assets—both civilian and military.

The CBRN defence budget has been earmarked for incremental growth until 2033, with procurement of detection kits, mobile laboratories, and personal protection equipment already initiated under the 2024–2027 strategic security plan. International partners such as the UK and Germany have been instrumental in facilitating training for the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, focusing on decontamination and reconnaissance capabilities. Going forward, the country’s intent is to embed CBRN resilience within its broader internal security framework—blending intelligence, logistics, and civil response readiness.

Drivers Behind Nigeria’s Expanding CBRN Defence Infrastructure

Several interlinked factors are driving momentum in the Nigeria CBRN defence industry, particularly threats related to terrorism, illicit mining, industrial incidents, and cross-border trafficking. The recurring use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and allegations of toxic chemical exposure in regional conflicts—particularly in Borno and Zamfara states—have prompted military planners to invest in dual-use CBRN platforms. Illegal artisanal mining in regions such as Niger and Kebbi has introduced the risk of radiological material leakage, making radiation detection and containment systems a pressing requirement.

Additionally, the proliferation of petrochemical facilities across the Niger Delta increases the probability of accidental chemical release or sabotage—a scenario already highlighted in several internal security reports since 2023. Nigeria’s geostrategic role in regional peacekeeping has also added a layer of obligation to maintain operational readiness in hostile or contaminated environments. These drivers collectively reinforce the need for a fully capable and adaptive Nigeria CBRN defence sector, supported by legislation, cross-agency coordination, and localized infrastructure.

Evaluating Sector Health Through Operational Indicators

Key indicators reflecting the health and growth trajectory of the Nigeria CBRN defence market include readiness training metrics, procurement volume, public-private coordination, and response time benchmarks. In the last fiscal year (2024), the Nigerian Defence Headquarters reported a 23% increase in CBRN-specific simulation drills, particularly among rapid response battalions. Decontamination training and deployment time have also improved, with the average operational response time for simulated chemical leaks reduced by 18% compared to 2022 figures. Procurement data from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) reveals an uptick in tenders related to CBRN-resistant infrastructure and specialized vehicles for radiological detection.

The energy sector—through partnerships with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)—has begun assessing CBRN-related vulnerabilities at critical pipelines and refineries. Moreover, industry associations such as the Nigeria Society of Engineers are contributing to threat modeling and system design support. These performance indicators show tangible forward movement in institutional readiness and multi-stakeholder investment in the Nigeria CBRN defence industry.

Expanding CBRN Adoption Across Military and Civilian Stakeholders

The user base in the Nigeria CBRN defence sector is expanding rapidly, encompassing military commands, emergency services, critical infrastructure operators, and academic institutions. While the Nigerian Army remains the largest defence-end user, other agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Federal Fire Service are increasingly involved in managing chemical hazard responses. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) conducted its first full-scale CBRN drill in early 2025 in collaboration with state hospitals and hazmat teams, simulating a chemical spill in the Apapa port zone.

In the energy sector, Shell Nigeria and TotalEnergies have integrated early warning sensors and automated shutdown procedures into their control rooms. Meanwhile, university partnerships—particularly with Ahmadu Bello University—are supporting research into low-cost biosensor technology and nuclear forensics. These developments illustrate an expanding and decentralized adoption pattern, where the Nigeria CBRN defence sector is no longer confined to military silos but is instead becoming an integrated part of national resilience planning.

Competitive Ecosystem and Strategic Industry Collaborations

The Nigeria CBRN defence market is currently characterized by a mix of foreign vendors, regional partners, and emerging domestic capabilities. Global players like Argon Electronics, Kärcher Futuretech, and Bruker have supplied Nigeria with simulation systems, detection devices, and decontamination gear through security assistance frameworks and commercial deals. Regionally, South Africa’s Denel has explored partnerships to support mobile containment systems tailored for West African terrain. Local companies such as Proforce Defence and Epsilon Security have begun supplying ruggedized vehicles and surveillance platforms with integrated CBRN payload support.

International NGOs and UN bodies are also active, providing technical know-how and regulatory frameworks to aid Nigerian efforts. A 2025 MoU between Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation and Germany’s Bundeswehr Technical Center (WTD 52) marks a pivotal move toward technology transfer and localized system integration. These collaborations reflect a maturing Nigeria CBRN defence industry, shifting from dependency on foreign procurement toward a more autonomous and capability-driven ecosystem.

Author: Surender K (Vertical Head – Aerospace & Defence)

*Research Methodology: This report is based on DataCube’s proprietary 3-stage forecasting model, combining primary research, secondary data triangulation, and expert validation. [Learn more]

Nigeria CBRN Defence Market Scope