Nigeria is taking a bold step towards securing its borders and strengthening its economy with a landmark partnership that promises to reshape its defence and technology landscape.
In a strategic alliance, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has signed a production agreement with Saudi Arabia-based Homeland Protectors and Supplies Limited domestically manufacture security drones, satellites, laser equipment, and advanced communications systems.
Rising insecurity, growing imports
This development comes at a critical time. Nigeria faces rising security threats and growing dependence on foreign imports for surveillance and intelligence equipment.
According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria now ranks sixth globally for terrorism impact, moving up from eighth in 2023 and 2024, with a high score of 7.658. The country recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in 2024, marking a sharp rise compared to the previous two years.
This mounting insecurity has fuelled Nigeria’s demand for defence tools worth billions of naira annually, making the country the largest importer of major arms in West Africa.
Between 2020 and 2024, Nigeria accounted for 34% of all major arms imports to the subregion, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
This heavy reliance on foreign-made surveillance and intelligence tools has led to delayed responses during emergencies, procurement challenges, and a persistent drain on Nigeria’s foreign reserves.
Building security capacity at home
The DICON-Homeland Protectors offers a promising alternative. By transferring production lines and technical expertise to Nigeria, the partnership is expected to reduce foreign dependence, strengthen internal security, and position the country as an emerging hub for security technology exports across Africa.
Describing the agreement as a “major milestone,” Director General of DICON, Maj. General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, said, “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 and other security agencies and export the excess capacity to other African countries.”
Why it matters
This initiative promises significant economic and strategic benefits. First, it will reduce the outflow of foreign currency spent on importing security technology. Secondly, the project is expected to create jobs for engineers, technicians, logistics experts, and support staff, bolstering local capacity and knowledge transfer.
More important, having security solutions manufactured on Nigerian soil means faster deployment in emergencies and systems better adapted to the country’s unique terrain and threat environment.
Border surveillance drones, for instance, can play a crucial role in monitoring porous boundaries exploited by smugglers and insurgents.
This development aligns with national policy shifts, including the DICON Act 2023, which empowers the corporation to forge global partnerships and boost indigenous capacity in defence production.
As insecurity spreads across the continent, the demand for advanced, reliable security systems is expected to grow. This partnership positions Nigeria to meet that demand.
Homeland Protectors’ Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Ali Hussain A. Aldayhani, led the Saudi delegation and hailed the collaboration as a transformative leap for Nigeria.
“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 [sic] security satellite communication technology to Nigeria.
“We are going to have a huge joint venture and also export outside Nigeria with regard to technology communication,” he said.
Mr. Aldayhani assured that this would be the beginning of a long-term relationship, adding that more visits and deeper collaborations are in view.
With this agreement, Nigeria joins a select group of African nations investing in domestic defence manufacturing. But more than a geopolitical statement, it is a solution-focused move that places Nigeria on the path to self-reliance, sustainable economic growth, and a safer future.
Nigeria has embarked on a transformative journey to bolster its defence and economic capabilities through a pivotal partnership between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Saudi Arabia's Homeland Protectors and Supplies Limited. This agreement focuses on the domestic production of security drones, satellites, laser equipment, and communications systems, aiming to mitigate the national security threats and dependency on foreign imports. As Nigeria ranks high on the Global Terrorism Index, with a significant import leader in West Africa for arms, this alliance is timely.
The DICON agreement intends to usher in local manufacturing to enhance internal security, minimize foreign reliance, and establish Nigeria as a technological export hub in Africa. Economic benefits include reduced foreign currency outflow, job creation, and enhanced local expertise. Additionally, faster deployment of domestically manufactured security solutions will address the urgent security challenges unique to Nigeria's terrain. The initiative aligns with national policy to fortify indigenous defence production capabilities and indicates a broader shift towards self-reliance and strategic growth in the face of rising continental security demands. This partnership heralds a promising future for Nigeria's strategic and economic landscape.
