A NEW partnership between indigenous drone services firm, ARCO Worldwide Services Limited, and global drone technology leader, DJI, is set to strengthen aerial surveillance and infrastructure protection across Nigeria, particularly along its borders and critical oil and gas assets.

The collaboration, which is expected to provide government agencies, security operators and businesses with direct access to advanced drone technologies designed for monitoring, mapping and intelligence gathering, could support national security operations, including border patrol surveillance and rapid-response monitoring, while also helping safeguard oil and gas pipelines from theft, vandalism and illegal activities.

Managing Director of ARCO Worldwide Services, Okosubide Mozimo, on Friday, described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s emerging drone ecosystem.
According to the organisation, the move, which marks a defining milestone for the Nigerian drone ecosystem as a whole, would enable the country to lead and set a precedent for a rapidly growing economy.

Through the agreement, organisations in Nigeria will gain access to DJI’s enterprise drone platforms, including the Matrice and Mavic series, widely used worldwide for aerial security operations, precision mapping and infrastructure inspection.

Chief Operating Officer of ARCO Worldwide Services, Ann Temidara, said the partnership would also ensure regulatory compliance and reliable technical support for drone users.

“We are removing the risk from the equation. When an agency buys from us, they aren’t just getting a box; they are getting manufacturer warranties, certified maintenance, and the
assurance that their equipment is genuine and compliant with Nigerian law,” Temidara said.

ARCO Worldwide, a subsidiary of ARCO Group Plc, is among a limited number of indigenous firms licensed by both the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Office of the National Security Adviser to provide drone services in the country.

Business Development Executive at ARCO Worldwide, David Ofoluwa, said the partnership followed extensive vetting and strategic alignment aimed at streamlining access to world-class drone technology in Nigeria.