President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Nigeria open to defence partnerships founded on mutual trust and respect as the country hosts the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos.
Speaking through Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the opening of the five-day exhibition at Eko Atlantic City, Tinubu said growing and interconnected security challenges require stronger collaboration between African countries and global technology innovators, particularly in artificial intelligence and emerging defence technologies.
He stressed the importance of keeping pace with developments in military equipment, personnel training and international cooperation, noting that peace and stability are essential for economic opportunities, public confidence and national development.
Tinubu urged participants to use the exhibition to exchange knowledge, hold bilateral engagements, sign Memoranda of Understanding and explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s defence sector.
“Let the partnerships formed here strengthen our readiness.
Let the knowledge exchanged here inspire our innovators. And let the commitments made here produce tangible results that our people can see and experience,” he said.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), said Nigeria is positioning itself as a major player in defence manufacturing, announcing that large-scale local production of defence hardware will commence within the next year.
According to him, the planned production will serve both Nigeria’s security requirements and export markets across Africa.
He added that AFRIDEX would also help deepen bilateral and multilateral relationships among governments, defence institutions, industry players and strategic partners.
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, described AFRIDEX as a platform capable of advancing the objectives of defence innovation, collaboration and industrial growth.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and ECOWAS representative Birame Diop said the exhibition offers African nations an opportunity to strengthen and modernise their defence capabilities.
Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General B.I. Alaya, commended the Federal Government’s support for local defence production and pledged increased manufacturing capacity.
Following the opening ceremony, the Minister of Defence toured exhibition stands from participating countries and held an executive meeting with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
The event attracted senior military officials, serving and former service chiefs, lawmakers and delegates from more than 20 African countries.
