Nigus, Elmirate invests $200m in Nigeria’s defence, satellite technology

Nigus International Investment Limited and UAE-based Elmirate Investment LLC have signed an agreement to invest up to $200 million in developing advanced defence, satellite, and technology manufacturing capabilities in Nigeria.

The partnership, announced on Monday, is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic security infrastructure while positioning the country as a regional hub for aerospace and advanced technology development.

Under the agreement, the initiative will be executed through a newly established special purpose vehicle, **Nigus Tactical Systems Ltd**, which will coordinate investments, technology integration, and operational development.

Malik Ado-Ibrahim, executive chairman of Nigus International Investment Limited, said the collaboration reflects Africa’s growing need to develop its own technological and industrial capabilities to support economic growth and national security.

“Africa is entering a pivotal phase in its development, where technological capability will increasingly define economic strength and national security,” he said. “Our objective is to build a sustainable industrial base in Nigeria that supports innovation, advanced manufacturing, and meaningful technology transfer while serving national priorities.”

Pankajj Ghode, managing director of Elmirate Capital, said the planned investment demonstrates strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and long-term ambition to become a leading technology and aerospace hub.

“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,” Ghode said.

The project is designed to support Nigeria’s efforts to expand domestic defence production and reduce reliance on imported security infrastructure.

The collaboration will operate within Nigeria’s regulatory framework under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and in alignment with the provisions of the DICON Act 2023, which seeks to encourage local defence manufacturing and technology transfer.

Key components of the initiative include the development of Class C local defence manufacturing platforms, enabling the production of essential military systems within Nigeria.

The partnership also plans to explore the development of tactical drones and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems aimed at improving situational awareness and operational readiness for security forces.

Beyond defence equipment production, the project will also focus on advanced surveillance technologies and intelligence platforms to support border security and counter-terrorism operations.

Manufacturing activities are expected to include ammunition and munitions production, as well as the development of armoured vehicles and protected mobility systems designed for modern operational environments.

The partnership intends to expand into cyber defence and digital security infrastructure, including the creation of cyber ranges that can be used for training and testing military cyber resilience.

Satellite technologies are also expected to form a central component of the initiative. Planned capabilities include earth observation systems, communications infrastructure, and secure satellite networks that could support both defence operations and civilian applications.

By integrating satellite data, geospatial intelligence and modern surveillance technologies, the partners said the project aims to contribute to building a comprehensive space and defence ecosystem in Nigeria.