NIGERIA TV INFO — DEFENCE & TECHNOLOGY

US Billionaire Joe Lonsdale Invests $11.8 Million in Nigerian Drone Firm Terra Industries

Abuja — U.S. technology billionaire Joe Lonsdale has made a major investment in Nigeria’s fast-growing defence and technology sector, committing $11.8 million to Abuja-based drone manufacturer Terra Industries.

Terra Industries specialises in the production of advanced drones and autonomous security systems designed to protect critical infrastructure across Africa. The company develops surveillance and defence solutions used in monitoring pipelines, power facilities, borders, and other strategic assets, with infrastructure assets it helps secure estimated to be worth over $11 billion across the continent.

According to the company, the new funding will be directed toward expanding manufacturing capacity, strengthening research and development, and supporting cross-border security and counter-terrorism operations. The investment is also expected to accelerate innovation in locally produced defence technology.

Industry analysts say the move highlights growing international confidence in Nigeria’s defence-tech ecosystem and reflects a broader shift by African nations toward self-reliant security solutions amid rising regional security challenges.

Terra Industries’ leadership noted that the backing from a prominent U.S. technology investor positions the company to meet increasing demand for homegrown security technologies, while reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a hub for defence innovation in Africa.

The investment marks one of the most notable foreign-backed funding deals in Nigeria’s defence technology space in recent years, signaling expanding opportunities at the intersection of security, innovation, and local manufacturing.