DICON and Terra Industries Sign MoU to Boost Nigeria’s Defence Tech Industry
The partnership provides a robust framework for the local production, assembly, research and development (R&D), and training in high-technology systems, including drones, cybersecurity solutions, robotics, and other ancillary software and hardware platforms.
In a landmark move to deepen Nigeria’s defence industrial capacity and advance indigenous high-technology development, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Terra Industries Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Joint Venture Company (JVC).
The partnership provides a robust framework for the local production, assembly, research and development (R&D), and training in high-technology systems, including drones, cybersecurity solutions, robotics, and other ancillary software and hardware platforms.
The MoU, executed pursuant to the DICON Act 2023, underscores DICON’s statutory mandate to collaborate with indigenous and foreign defence-related industries through public-private partnerships.
Under the agreement, the Joint Venture Company will operate as a subsidiary of DICON, jointly promoted and owned by DICON and Terra Industries, and duly incorporated in Nigeria.
The agreement is designed to establish advanced production and assembly lines for high-tech equipment within Nigeria while promoting meaningful technology transfer, skills development, and specialised training for Nigerian personnel. It also aims to strengthen local sourcing of raw materials, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance domestic industrial capacity and strategic autonomy.
Additionally, the partnership will support the supply of security equipment to wider Nigerian security agencies and other authorised institutions, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global defence manufacturing sector.
Under the agreement, Terra Industries will provide technical expertise, professional services, and training, and will help attract both local and foreign investment to strengthen the defence industrial ecosystem. The company will also facilitate the procurement of production equipment, coordinate local and international training programmes, and provide access to manufacturing know-how, tooling, spare parts, and established defence sector supply chains.
Boosting Indigenous Technology Capability
Speaking at the signing, Maj. Gen. B.I. Alaya, Director General of DICON, described the agreement as “a transformational step toward strengthening Nigeria’s defence manufacturing base, reducing import dependence, and positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced innovation.”
Nathaniel Nwachukwu, CEO of Terra Industries, noted that the partnership demonstrates confidence in indigenous Nigerian engineering capability and creates a platform for sustainable defence technology development, innovation, and export competitiveness.
The initiative is expected to position Nigeria as a regional hub for drones, high-tech manufacturing, cybersecurity solutions, R&D, and specialised training, while creating skilled employment opportunities for young Nigerians and fostering innovation within the local defence ecosystem.
