President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African countries and global defence technology innovators to partner with Nigeria in addressing emerging security threats, assuring investors of the country’s readiness to establish mutually beneficial defence partnerships.
Tinubu, represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made the call at the opening ceremony of the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
The exhibition, which runs from October 26 to 30, brings together defence industry stakeholders and representatives from more than 20 African countries.
The President said growing and interconnected security challenges required stronger cooperation, particularly in military equipment, personnel training, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
He stressed that Nigeria was open to partnerships built on mutual trust and respect, urging participants to use the exhibition to exchange knowledge, hold bilateral meetings, sign memoranda of understanding and explore investment opportunities.
Tinubu also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute to innovation and national development, noting that peace and stability were essential for economic growth and public confidence.
Earlier, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), disclosed that Nigeria would commence massive local production of defence hardware within the next one year for domestic use and export, particularly to other African countries.
Musa urged local and international investors to take advantage of AFRIDEX to invest in Nigeria’s defence sector, adding that engagements scheduled during the exhibition would strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations among defence establishments, governments and industry stakeholders.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, described AFRIDEX as a platform capable of achieving the objectives for which it was established.
The Lagos State Government, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and the representative of the Economic Community of West African States Commission, Birame Diop, expressed optimism that the exhibition would help African countries strengthen and revitalise their defence industries.
The Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Major General B.I. Alaya, commended Tinubu for his continued support for the corporation and pledged to enhance its production capacity.
After the opening ceremony, the Minister of Defence inspected exhibition stands from participating countries and held an executive meeting with the United States Africa Command.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Chief of Defence Staff, serving and former service chiefs, the Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Defence and representatives from more than 20 African countries.