President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Nigeria open to global defence partnerships anchored on mutual trust and shared values, officially opening the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX 2026) at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: 26 October 2026
Time: 20:42 WAT
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Represented by Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu highlighted the increasingly complex nature of modern security threats, calling on international defence partners and innovators in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies to invest in Africa's collective security framework.
He emphasized that peace and stability are essential preconditions for institutional trust, economic growth, and youth empowerment across the continent.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Information Officer of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Queenet Iheoma-Hart, the Federal Government is leveraging the historic five-day exhibition to accelerate domestic defence autonomy.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), announced that Nigeria will commence massive local production of defence hardware within the next year to satisfy domestic operational requirements and supply export markets across Africa.
Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, ECOWAS representative Mr. Birame Diop, and DICON Director-General Major General B.I. Alaya addressed delegates, reinforcing the summit's role in revitalizing regional military-industrial capabilities.
Following the opening proceedings, Defence Minister Musa inspected international exhibition pavilions and convened high-level executive talks with the United States delegation alongside senior military leadership.
🏷 Tags: AFRIDEX 2026, President Tinubu, Ministry of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa, DICON, Lagos, Nigeria Defence Industry
#ZigPressRelease #ZigDiariesDefence #AFRIDEX2026 #NigeriaDefence #MilitaryInnovation #DICON #Lagos
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