Nigeria to Begin Local Production of Security Drones, Satellites in Landmark Deal with Saudi Firm

Nigeria to Begin Local Production of Security Drones, Satellites in Landmark Deal with Saudi Firm

Nigeria has taken a significant step toward technological self-reliance in the security sector as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) signed a groundbreaking agreement with Homeland Protectors and Supplies Limited, a Saudi Arabia-based security company.

The deal, sealed at DICON headquarters in Kaduna, will pave the way for the local manufacturing of high-tech security equipment, including drones, satellite systems, laser devices and advanced communications tools.

Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, described the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s defence industry.

According to him, “Today is another milestone for DICON. What Homeland Protectors is bringing on board is expertise and experience in the field of satellite, laser systems, communications and border security drones.

“The agreement we have just signed is for them to bring the production line to Nigeria and start producing here, so we can satisfy the defence industry requirements, other security agencies and export the excess capacity to other African countries.”

General Alaya credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enabling the partnership, especially by signing the DICON Act 2023, which now allows for such strategic international collaborations. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Defence and Minister of State for Defence for their consistent support.

Leading the Saudi delegation, Mr. Ali Hussain A Aldayhani, Managing Director and CEO of Homeland Protectors, praised the agreement as a transformative development for Nigeria’s security capabilities.

“I am in support of this amazing job today in collaboration with Homeland and DICON. This is in support of the Nigerian President and the Minister of Defence to bring security satellite communication technology to Nigeria,” he said.

Read also: Yobe Government Debunks Market Closure Rumours, Confirms Only 3 Shut Over Boko Haram Threat

He also noted that the partnership is designed not only to meet local demand but to position Nigeria as a tech exporter: “We are going to have a huge joint venture and also for export outside Nigeria with regard to technology communication.”

Mr. Aldayhani assured that more collaborations are underway, promising ongoing support and further engagements.

The deal is expected to create jobs, conserve foreign exchange and enhance Nigeria’s security capacity, placing the country among a select few in Africa capable of domestically producing critical defence technologies.