Nigeria, UAE seal $200m defence deal

Nigeria is set to attract up to $200 million in investment for defence technology, cybersecurity and satellite infrastructure following a strategic partnership between Nigus International Investment Limited and UAE-based Elmirate Investment LLC.

Both firms signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a next-generation technology and advanced manufacturing platform in Nigeria aimed at strengthening domestic defence production and expanding space and digital security capabilities.

Executive Chairman of Nigus International Investment Limited, Malik Ado-Ibrahim, said the initiative reflects Africa’s growing recognition that technological capability is closely tied to economic strength and national security.

“Africa is entering a pivotal phase in its development, where technological capability will increasingly define economic strength and national security,” Ado-Ibrahim said in a statement on Monday.

According to him, the partnership is designed to support innovation, advanced manufacturing and technology transfer, while building a sustainable industrial base capable of serving Nigeria’s national security priorities and broader regional needs.

The collaboration will be executed through a special purpose vehicle, Nigus Tactical Systems Ltd, which will coordinate investment, technology integration and operational development.

The partners said the project aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to expand its defence technology capacity and reduce dependence on imported security equipment.

Managing Director of Elmirate Capital, Pankajj Ghode, described the investment as a demonstration of confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and its goal of becoming a technology and aerospace hub.

“Our planned commitment of up to $200 million reflects strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential,” Ghode said, adding that the project would link global defence, cybersecurity and aerospace partners with local expertise.

The initiative will operate within Nigeria’s regulatory framework under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and align with provisions of the DICON Act 2023.

Planned activities include the development of advanced manufacturing systems to support modern security infrastructure and local defence production.

Areas under consideration include tactical and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones, unmanned aerial systems, ammunition and munitions production, armoured vehicles and protected mobility platforms.

The project will also focus on cyber defence and digital security infrastructure, including the establishment of military cyber defence platforms and cyber ranges for training and resilience against emerging digital threats.

Satellite technologies and space-based intelligence systems are expected to form another major component of the initiative. These include earth observation capabilities, communications infrastructure and secure satellite networks that could support both defence and civilian applications.

By combining geospatial intelligence, satellite data and modern surveillance technologies, the partners said the initiative aims to position Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced defence and space technology while promoting long-term industrial growth and technological self-reliance.