Nigeria has taken a big step toward strengthening its security capabilities and reducing reliance on imports, as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) signed a landmark partnership with Homeland Protectors and Supplies Limited, a Saudi Arabian security company.

The agreement, sealed at DICON headquarters in Kaduna, will see Nigeria begin local production of drones, satellite systems, laser technology, and advanced communication equipment — key tools for modern security operations.

Director General of DICON, Maj. General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, described the deal as a “major milestone” in Nigeria’s journey toward defence self-sufficiency. He noted that beyond meeting local needs, the partnership would enable Nigeria to export cutting-edge security technology to other African nations.

“What Homeland Protectors is bringing on board is expertise and experience in satellite, laser systems, communications, and border security drones,” Alaya said. “The agreement we’ve signed today means they’ll set up production lines here in Nigeria, to meet our own defence requirements and also export to other countries on the continent.”

Alaya expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of DICON, particularly by signing the DICON Act 2023, which paved the way for international collaborations like this. He also thanked the Minister of Defence and Minister of State for Defence for backing the initiative.

On his part, Ali Hussain A Aldayhani, Managing Director and CEO of Homeland Protectors, called the partnership a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s security landscape.

“This joint venture is not just about meeting Nigeria’s internal needs; it’s also about tapping into export markets,” he explained. “We’re going to build a strong collaboration here that brings security satellite and communication technology right into Nigeria, and then even beyond.”

Aldayhani praised DICON’s leadership for making the agreement possible and promised this would be the start of deeper collaborations and more frequent engagements.

With this partnership, Nigeria now joins a select group of African nations investing heavily in domestic production of critical security hardware — a move expected to save foreign exchange, create skilled jobs, and significantly enhance national security.