Overview

Table: Total Market Size Safety and Security, Unit: USD Millions                                                                                                        

Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports) 
Data Sources: 
Total Local Production: National Defense Academy (NDA) 
Total Exports: National Bureau of Statistics Trade Data
Total Imports: Security Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria, Industry practitioners, National Bureau of Statistics  
Imports from U.S.: U.S. Census Bureau
Nigeria National Bureau of Statistics 
 

For 2024, the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) ranks Nigeria with a score of 7.575, one of the countries with the highest terrorism threat levels worldwide. The index measures the direct and indirect impact of terrorism on a scale from 0 (no impact) to 10 (highest impact). This ranking reflects increased terrorist activities, particularly in the Northeast, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operate, as well as in the Northwest, where banditry and kidnappings for ransom are prevalent. Despite government counter-terrorism efforts, Nigeria’s struggles are compounded by complex socio-political factors, porous borders, and resource limitations for law enforcement, which hinder effective control of insurgency and violence throughout the country.

Kidnapping incidents remain a serious issue in Nigeria, with a significant rise in abductions reported between July 2022 and June 2023. During this period, there were 3,620 kidnapping cases, resulting in ransom demands totaling ₦5 billion (approximately $6.4 million), with confirmed payments of ₦302 million ($387,179). However, these figures are likely underreported due to victim families and authorities often withholding details about ransom payments. The high unemployment rate, persistent inflation, and economic challenges continue to fuel the profitability of this crime, with kidnappers exploiting both individual and community vulnerabilities​. In response to both unemployment and insecurity, the Nigerian government has invested in enhancing security measures. For instance, Nigeria’s military modernization efforts include the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the U.S., a $455 million deal aimed at strengthening counterinsurgency capabilities. These helicopters are part of broader investments in military equipment and technology, intended to aid in tackling terrorism, piracy, and other forms of violent crime across the nation, enhancing Nigeria’s ability to collaborate with international partners on security initiatives.

Cyber Security

Cybersecurity is increasingly critical in Nigeria, especially as the country’s financial and telecommunications sectors expand. Nigerian financial institutions, government agencies, and corporations managing large data volumes are frequent targets for cybercrime, with incidents such as phishing, ransomware attacks, and online fraud becoming more common. The rise of digital banking and mobile financial services has also led to intensified efforts to protect user data and financial transactions.

To counter this, Nigerian businesses and institutions are investing in cybersecurity measures, focusing on areas like threat intelligence, employee training, and stronger data protection frameworks. Government agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are also enhancing regulations, encouraging local firms to adopt cybersecurity best practices to mitigate risks.

Leading Subsectors

The safety and security sector in Nigeria has seen substantial growth, with security equipment and specialized training emerging as key subsectors. U.S. companies remain preferred suppliers for advanced security technology, with Nigerian public and private stakeholders sourcing military jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, explosive detection tools, surveillance systems, and covert cameras primarily from U.S. manufacturers. There is also rising demand for surveillance equipment among Nigerian state governments, especially for aerial monitoring of borders and forests.

Additionally, opportunities for U.S. companies to provide security training services have expanded to include Nigerian government agencies, private security firms, and corporate security teams. These firms can engage through direct sales or participate in public tenders with tenders published by relevant agencies and accessible via the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

Opportunities

U.S. companies maintain a strong competitive edge in supplying advanced security equipment to Nigerian entities, driven by a reputation for high-quality and reliable technology. There are substantial opportunities for these companies to provide the Nigerian government and its security agencies with sophisticated tools and systems, such as surveillance technology, unmanned aerial vehicles, and advanced detection equipment. Procurement is facilitated through government tenders, enabling U.S. firms to engage in supplying security resources that align with Nigeria’s increasing demand for advanced security solutions.

Local Trade Shows

Securex West Africa 2025
Date: March 11-13, 2025
Location: Landmark Centre, Lagos

For more information, e-mail: Banksharon Nwaneri, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, Nigeria at Banksharon.Nwaneri@trade.gov