Nigeria has secured a major role in advancing Africa’s defence landscape by agreeing to host the continent’s most ambitious defence and security exhibition yet. The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, known as DICON, recently inked a memorandum of understanding with DMG Events, a prominent United Kingdom-based organiser, to stage the Africa Defence and Security Exhibition, or AFRIDEX 2026, in Lagos. This partnership positions Nigeria at the forefront of efforts to bolster regional security through innovation, collaboration, and technology sharing, drawing on the nation’s growing influence in the military and aviation sectors.
The agreement came to fruition during the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, held from August 25 to 27, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. Amid discussions on combating modern threats to regional stability, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, DICON’s director-general, and Nick Ornstein, vice president of DMG Events, signed the document. Witnesses included General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s chief of defence staff, along with defence chiefs from various African nations, attachés, and senior officials. This setting underscored the event’s alignment with broader continental priorities, such as enhancing strategic defence cooperation to address ongoing security challenges.
Slated for October 26 to 29, 2026, AFRIDEX promises to span four days of intensive engagement, transforming Lagos into a hub for defence professionals. Organisers envision it as Africa’s leading platform for tri-service interactions, encompassing land, air, and naval domains. Attendees can expect displays of advanced equipment, including armoured vehicles, aircraft, maritime assets, weaponry, munitions, and unmanned aerial systems. Both established international firms and emerging African producers will have space to demonstrate their offerings, facilitating knowledge transfer and joint ventures that could accelerate the continent’s defence capabilities.
Beyond mere showcases, the exhibition incorporates elements designed to spark practical advancements. A dedicated defence summit will convene ministers, military commanders, national security advisors, and policymakers for in-depth dialogues on policy and strategy. Live demonstrations will allow participants to observe technologies in action, covering scenarios relevant to land, sea, and air operations. An exclusive officers’ club on the exhibition floor will cater to high-level networking, enabling decision-makers to forge connections with industry influencers who hold procurement authority. These components aim to translate concepts into tangible outcomes, supporting governments in refining security frameworks while promoting economic benefits through technology adoption and local manufacturing growth.
Major General Alaya, in remarks at the signing, framed the pact as a testament to confidence and a collective ambition to produce an elite-level gathering right in Nigeria. He noted that the event would assemble military personnel, government figures, and tech trailblazers from worldwide, creating avenues for meaningful exchanges. Ornstein echoed this sentiment, affirming DMG Events’ dedication to crafting a robust venue for connections, fresh ideas, and expertise sharing among defence and security experts. Their statements reflect the high expectations for AFRIDEX to elevate Africa’s profile in global defence circles, attracting top-tier participants and fostering deals that enhance continental resilience.
This initiative builds on Nigeria’s recent push to revitalise its defence and aviation industries. In July 2025, the government outlined plans for a national defence showcase and an associated air display, signalling a commitment to modernisation and stronger ties with domestic producers. Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence, has spearheaded consultations with stakeholders to develop these platforms, marking a shift toward government-endorsed events that highlight Nigeria’s production strengths and invite foreign collaboration. Such moves depart from earlier, less formalised gatherings, aiming to establish Nigeria as a central figure in the sector.
The country’s track record in hosting related forums provides a solid foundation. For example, the Africa Airforce Forum, managed by the Emirati firm Great Minds Event Management, reached its fourth iteration in May 2025 at the Abuja International Conference Centre, aligning with the Nigerian Air Force’s 61st anniversary. That occasion featured key addresses from Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Chief of Defence Staff General Musa, and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. Topics ranged from cross-border aviation partnerships to defence synergies, culminating in an air demonstration at Lagos’s EKO Hotel. Contributions from international air forces, including China, Zimbabwe, and France, alongside exhibits from giants like Airbus, Embraer, and ASELSAN, illustrated the event’s reach.
Another staple is the Nigerian Security Exhibition and Conference, or NISEC EXPO, set for October 2025 in Abuja. Recognised as a top-tier continental venue, it annually convenes manufacturers, suppliers, users, specialists, and officials to explore state-of-the-art security solutions. This platform has solidified Abuja’s status as a focal point for such interactions, emphasising practical applications and partnerships. Meanwhile, DICON marked its 60th anniversary in August 2024 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, celebrating decades of contributions to Nigeria’s defence manufacturing base.
By hosting AFRIDEX 2026, Nigeria stands to reinforce its leadership in these areas, potentially spurring job creation, skill development, and investment inflows. The event’s emphasis on African-led solutions could help mitigate reliance on external suppliers, while encouraging intra-continental trade in defence goods. As preparations ramp up, coordination among governmental agencies, private entities, and overseas allies will prove crucial to realising the exhibition’s full potential. In an era of evolving threats, from insurgencies to cyber risks, AFRIDEX represents a timely step toward a more unified and capable African defence posture, with Nigeria leading the charge.
