UAE Firm to Invest $200 Million in Nigeria's Defence Tech

Elmirate Investment LLC commits $200 million to develop defence technology, satellite systems, and advanced manufacturing in Nigeria through a new venture with Nigus International.

NGN Market

Written by NGN Market

·3 min read
UAE Firm to Invest $200 Million in Nigeria's Defence Tech

Key Highlights

  • A UAE-based firm, Elmirate Investment LLC, will invest up to $200 million in Nigeria's defence technology sector.
  • The investment aims to develop defence technology, satellite systems, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
  • A strategic memorandum of understanding has been signed with Nigerian firm Nigus International Investment Limited.
  • The initiative will operate under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and DICON Act 2023.
  • A new special purpose vehicle, Nigus Tactical Systems Ltd, will manage the investment and development.

Elmirate Investment LLC, also known as Elmirate Capital, has announced a commitment of up to $200 million to foster the development of defence technology, satellite systems, and advanced manufacturing capabilities within Nigeria. This significant investment follows the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian firm Nigus International Investment Limited.

The initiative is designed to bolster Nigeria's domestic defence production, enhance technological prowess, and reduce the nation's reliance on imported security equipment. The project will operate within Nigeria’s regulatory framework, under the purview of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and in accordance with the DICON Act 2023.

Implementation of this collaboration will be channeled through Nigus Tactical Systems Ltd, a newly established special purpose vehicle. This entity will serve as the central hub for investment, technology integration, and operational development.

Pankajj Ghode, Managing Director of Elmirate Capital, stated, “Our planned commitment of up to $200 million reflects strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential. By connecting our global network of defense, 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.”

Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim, Executive Chairman of Nigus International, highlighted that the partnership is structured to build an industrial platform capable of supporting Nigeria’s national security and technological advancement. He emphasized that Africa is entering a new era where technological capability will be a key determinant of both economic strength and national security.

“Through this partnership we are working to build a platform in Nigeria that supports innovation, advanced manufacturing and meaningful technology transfer,” Ado-Ibrahim added.

The planned platform will concentrate on developing advanced manufacturing capabilities essential for modern security infrastructure. Key areas targeted for development include tactical and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance drones, unmanned aerial systems, and counter-terrorism surveillance and intelligence technologies.

Manufacturing activities are also set to encompass ammunition and munitions production, alongside the development of armoured vehicles and protected mobility systems tailored for contemporary operational environments. These systems will be augmented by integrated intelligence platforms and advanced monitoring technologies aimed at enhancing border security and defence operations.

Furthermore, the partnership intends to develop cyber defence infrastructure and digital security platforms. This includes the establishment of cyber ranges and military cyber defence systems to support training and build resilience against evolving digital threats.

This substantial investment from Elmirate Capital underscores the increasing investor interest in Nigeria's defence technology sector, particularly as the country continues its efforts to address security challenges. This follows a recent development where Abuja-based autonomous security startup Terrahaptix Inc. secured an additional $22 million in capital, led by Lux Capital, to expand its surveillance and protection systems production for critical infrastructure across Africa.