Vinicius International officially launched its local security hardware production facility in Nigeria on August 6, 2025. The launch marked a significant milestone aimed at reducing Africa’s dependence on imported defense equipment.
The Abuja-based facility includes an armoured vehicle assembly line and an integrated surveillance solutions hub. It is fully licensed under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
Saifullahi Babangida, the CEO, described the launch as a turning point for Africa’s defense capacity, emphasizing goals beyond manufacturing to include sovereignty, job creation, and skills development.
The facility assembles tactical armored vehicles tailored for African terrain and security needs, along with integrated surveillance and unmanned aerial systems.
Locally Made Military Supplies in Nigeria
The launch comes at a time when Africa’s military expenditure surged to $51.6 billion in 2023 (a 22% increase), but over 95% of security hardware is still imported, causing supply delays and geopolitical risks.
Vinicius is also known to invest in training security personnel through its Advanced Security Command and Control (ASCC) division.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its Nigerian operations into a West African industrial hub. More so, it seeks partnerships with international manufacturers to boost technology transfer and strengthen long-term defense capabilities in the region.
Babangida highlighted that this facility is just the beginning of building Africa’s security future with African-made solutions and expertise.
The launch event underlined the strategic impact of creating jobs, growing technical capacity, and keeping value within Africa, aiming to serve Nigeria and neighboring West and Central African countries facing rising insecurity.
