Nigus and Elmirate sign a strategic agreement to invest up to $200 million in building advanced defense, satellite and technology manufacturing capabilities in Nigeria
ABUJA, Nigeria, March, 2026/ — Nigus International Investment
Limited (www.Nigusng.com [8]) and Elmirate Investment LLC
(www.Elmirate.ae [9]) (Elmirate Capital) have signed a strategic
memorandum of understanding to develop a next-generation defense
technology, satellite systems and advanced manufacturing platform in
Nigeria, backed by a planned investment of up to $200 million.
“Africa is entering a pivotal phase in its development, where
technological capability will increasingly define economic strength and
national security,” said HRH Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim, Executive
Chairman of Nigus International Investment Limited. “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.”
“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,” told Pankajj Ghode, Managing Director of Elmirate
Capital. “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.”
Nigeria moves toward sovereign defense capabilities
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. The initiative is designed to support
Nigeria’s ambitions to strengthen domestic defense production, build
advanced technology capacity and reduce reliance on imported security
infrastructure.
The partnership will operate within Nigeria’s regulatory framework
under the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and in
alignment with the provisions of the DICON Act 2023. By combining
international technology partnerships with local leadership, the project
seeks to accelerate the development of high-value industrial
capabilities while supporting national security objectives and economic
growth.
Building an integrated defense and space ecosystem
The planned platform will focus on building advanced manufacturing
capabilities that can support multiple layers of modern security
infrastructure. Central to the initiative is the development of Class C
local defense manufacturing platforms that enable Nigeria to produce
essential systems domestically while strengthening industrial
self-reliance.
The project will also explore the development of tactical and ISR drones
as well as tactical unmanned aerial systems designed to enhance
situational awareness and operational readiness. Complementing these
capabilities will be advanced counter-terror surveillance and
intelligence systems that integrate modern data analysis and monitoring
technologies.
Manufacturing activities are expected to include ammunition and
munitions production, alongside the development of armored vehicles and
protected mobility systems designed for modern operational environments.
These capabilities will be supported by advanced surveillance
technologies and integrated intelligence platforms that can enhance
border security and national defense operations.
Positioning Nigeria as a regional technology hub
Beyond traditional defense manufacturing, the partnership intends to
expand into cyber defense and digital security infrastructure. This
includes the development of military cyber defense platforms and cyber
ranges that can support training, testing and resilience against
emerging digital threats.
Satellite technologies and space-based intelligence systems are also
expected to form a key component of the initiative. Planned capabilities
include earth observation technologies, communications infrastructure
and secure satellite networks that could support both defense operations
and civilian applications.
By integrating geospatial intelligence, satellite data and modern
surveillance capabilities, the project aims to contribute to the
creation of a comprehensive space-defense ecosystem in Nigeria.
