Vinicius International, a Nigerian conglomerate, has officially launched local production of security hardware in Abuja, marking a significant step toward reducing Africa’s reliance on imported defence equipment, as confirmed by multiple sources including. The company, licensed under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), has established an armoured vehicle assembly line and an integrated surveillance solutions hub in the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative addresses Africa’s $51.6 billion military expenditure in 2023, over 95% of which is spent on imports from countries like Russia, China, and the United States, often hampered by supply chain delays and geopolitical pressures, according to CEO Saifullahi Babangida.
The Abuja facility will produce tactical armoured vehicles tailored for African terrain and advanced surveillance systems, including unmanned aerial platforms, to meet local security needs. Vinicius has already demonstrated its capacity, delivering over 300 armoured vehicles to Nigerian security forces in January 2024. The company’s Advanced Security Command and Control (ASCC) division will train personnel to operate and maintain these systems, fostering technical expertise and job creation. Babangida emphasized the project’s vision of sovereignty, stating, “Every system we integrate and technician we train brings Africa closer to a secure, self-determined future.”
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