Vinicius International has announced plans to begin the construction of a security hardware production plant in Nigeria.
In a statement on Wednesday, Saifullahi Babangida, chief executive officer (CEO) of Vinicius Group, said the plant follows the completion of its corporate headquarters in Abuja.
He said the proposed facility aims to reduce Africa’s reliance on imported defence equipment.
Babangida said the company is building an armoured vehicle assembly line and integrated surveillance solutions hub, an initiative fully licensed under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
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“The upcoming facility represents a strategic investment in indigenous security manufacturing, at a time when Africa’s defence needs are intensifying,” the firm said.
“In 2023 alone, military expenditure across the continent surged to $51.6 billion — a 22 percent increase in just one year.
“Despite this, over 95 percent of Africa’s security hardware continues to be imported from global suppliers such as Russia, China, the United States, and key European nations.
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“This dependency often leads to supply chain delays and exposure to shifting geopolitical pressures, posing major risks to national and regional security.
“Vinicius International seeks to reshape this narrative. Once completed, its Abuja production facility will assemble tactical armoured vehicles adapted to African terrain and threat environments, alongside integrated surveillance and unmanned aerial systems tailored to local realities.
“Through its Advanced Security Command and Control (ASCC) division, the company is also investing in training programmes to equip security personnel with the technical expertise to operate and maintain advanced systems.
“The plant’s future impact is expected to go beyond Nigerian borders. With insecurity rising across West and Central Africa, and countries like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo increasing defence spending, the facility is positioned to become a regional production and support hub.”
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Babangida said by building its infrastructure, assembling security systems, and training personnel within Africa, the company is creating jobs, growing technical capacity, and ensuring that value remains within the continent.
The CEO added that the firm is also opening its doors to partnerships with international manufacturers interested in African market entry to enhance long-term defence capabilities.
