Nigeria, UAE firms sign $200m defence technology pact
Nigeria, UAE firms sign $200m defence technology pact
Nigeria is set to attract up to $200m in investment to develop defence technology, cybersecurity capabilities, and satellite infrastructure following a strategic partnership between Nigeria-based Nigus International Investment Limited and UAE-headquartered Elmirate Investment LLC (Elmirate Capital).
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a next-generation technology and advanced manufacturing platform in Nigeria aimed at strengthening domestic defence production, expanding space technologies, and building digital security systems.
Executive Chairman of Nigus International Investment Limited, Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim, said the initiative reflects Africa’s growing recognition that technological capability is increasingly linked 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.
“Through this partnership, we are working to build a platform in Nigeria that supports innovation, advanced manufacturing, and meaningful technology transfer.
Our objective is to create a sustainable industrial base capable of serving national priorities while contributing to the wider security needs of the region.”
The collaboration will be implemented through a newly established special purpose vehicle, Nigus Tactical Systems Ltd, which will serve as the central platform for investment, technology integration, and operational development.
According to the partners, the initiative is designed to support Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen domestic defence production, expand advanced technology capacity, and reduce reliance on imported security infrastructure.
Managing Director of Elmirate Capital, Pankajj Ghode, said the planned investment demonstrates confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and its ambition to emerge as a technology and aerospace hub.
“We are proud to partner with Nigus International on an initiative that aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading technology and aerospace hub,” Ghode said.
“Our planned commitment of up to $200m reflects strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential. By connecting our global network of defence, cybersecurity, aerospace, and advanced technology partners with local expertise, we aim to support the development of a resilient ecosystem that drives industrial growth and strengthens regional stability.”
The project will operate within Nigeria’s regulatory framework under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and align with provisions of the DICON Act 2023, combining international technology partnerships with local leadership to accelerate industrial development while supporting national security objectives.
The planned platform will focus on advanced manufacturing capabilities to support modern security infrastructure, including Class C local defence manufacturing systems intended to enable domestic production of critical equipment.
Areas under consideration include the development of tactical and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance drones, as well as unmanned aerial systems designed to enhance operational awareness and readiness.
Manufacturing activities are expected to include ammunition and munitions production, armoured vehicles and protected mobility systems, alongside integrated surveillance and intelligence technologies aimed at strengthening border security and defence operations.
Beyond traditional defence manufacturing, the partnership also targets cyber defence and digital security infrastructure. Plans include the establishment of military cyber defence platforms and cyber ranges for training, testing, and resilience against emerging digital threats.
Satellite technologies and space-based intelligence systems are expected to form a major component of the initiative, including earth observation capabilities, communications infrastructure, and secure satellite networks that could support both defence and civilian applications.
By integrating geospatial intelligence, satellite data, and modern surveillance technologies, the partners said the project aims to position Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced defence and space technology while supporting long-term industrial growth and technological self-reliance.
