Nigus Partners With UAE on USD 200 Million Deal Featuring Satellite Manufacturing in Nigeria
Nigus International Investment Limited and UAE-based Elmirate Investment LLC (Elmirate Capital) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to establish, as part of their deal, an advanced satellite manufacturing platform in Nigeria, backed by a planned investment of up to USD 200 million.
The agreement will be executed through a newly established Special Purpose Vehicle, Nigus Tactical Systems Ltd, which will coordinate investments, technology integration, and operational development across the broader initiative.
At the heart of the partnership lies the development of Nigeria’s satellite and aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The SPV will prioritise the development of Earth Observation (EO) technologies, secure communications infrastructure, and satellite-based intelligence networks for both defence and civilian applications.
By integrating satellite data, geospatial intelligence, and modern surveillance technologies, the partners aim to contribute to building a comprehensive space and defence ecosystem in Nigeria, one that shifts the country’s procurement model away from importation and towards domestic sovereign capability.
Building on Nigeria’s Space Capabilities
This initiative builds directly upon Nigeria’s existing space infrastructure, most notably DELSAT-1, Nigeria’s first dedicated military satellite, launched on 10 November 2022 from China’s Xichang launch base. DELSAT-1 currently supports critical defence functions, including geospatial intelligence gathering, monitoring and tracking of adversaries, terrain mapping and analysis, vulnerability assessment, search and rescue operations, and monitoring of offshore infrastructure.
The partnership’s focus on domestic satellite manufacturing represents a significant evolution from Nigeria’s current reliance on international operators, potentially enabling the country to develop and manufacture its own satellite systems entirely within national borders.
A Broader Defence Manufacturing Drive
Beyond satellite systems, the planned industrial base will extend across two further technological pillars. The first includes unmanned systems and surveillance, including the production of tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to enhance regional situational awareness. The second involves tactical manufacturing through Class C local defence platforms, covering the production of armoured vehicles, protected mobility systems, and munitions within Nigeria.
Cyber Defence and Digital Resilience
Beyond physical hardware, Nigus Tactical Systems intends to deploy military-grade cyber defence platforms and cyber ranges. These facilities will stress-test digital infrastructure and train personnel against emerging electronic warfare and cyber threats, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for geospatial intelligence and digital security.
Regulatory Framework and Strategic Alignment
The collaboration is structured to operate within Nigeria’s formal regulatory framework under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), in alignment with the DICON Act 2023, which incentivises private sector participation in the national defence industrial complex to foster technology transfer and reduce reliance on foreign security infrastructure.
HRH Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim, Executive Chairman of Nigus International, said: “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 whilst contributing to the wider security needs of the region.”
Mr Pankaj Ghode, Managing Director of Elmirate Capital, added: “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.”
Timeline and Economic Outlook
The USD 200 million commitment from Elmirate Capital reflects a growing trend of Gulf-based investment in the African aerospace sector. Over the next 24 months, the SPV will focus on commissioning manufacturing facilities and integrating international technology partners into the local supply chain.
Successful implementation of the platform could serve as a blueprint for other African nations seeking to establish domestic space and defence ecosystems to support both national security and industrial economic growth.