Nigeria Customs Reaffirms Support for Africa’s First Defence, Security Exhibition Ahead of 2026 Hosting
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its firm institutional backing for Africa’s first-ever comprehensive Defence and Security Exhibition, the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), scheduled to be hosted by Nigeria in 2026, in a move expected to position the country as a continental hub for defence innovation, security collaboration and industrial growth.
The Service gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by members of the AFRIDECS Steering Committee to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 21 January 2026, where the historic exhibition was formally unveiled.
Leading the delegation, the Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Babatunde Alaya, disclosed that the 2026 exhibition would bring together military institutions, security agencies, relevant government ministries, defence manufacturers and international partners from across the world.
Major General Alaya explained that AFRIDECS is designed to showcase Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and technological innovations across land, sea, air, cyber and space domains, while also providing a global platform for the exchange of cutting-edge defence and security solutions.
He stated that the exhibition would highlight local content in defence production while leveraging the expertise, technology and experience of established international defence manufacturers.
According to him, AFRIDECS will serve as a convergence point for defence, security and technology stakeholders to share ideas, innovations and strategic solutions.
“AFRIDECS is conceived to showcase indigenous capabilities and manufacturing, while leveraging the expertise and experience of international defence manufacturers. It will serve as a convergence point for defence, security and technology stakeholders to exchange ideas and innovations,” he said.
He further noted that the exhibition is strategically positioned to evolve into Africa’s premier defence and security showcase, reflecting Nigeria’s growing influence in defence industrialisation, regional security cooperation and strategic innovation.
He added that a multi-agency Steering Committee constituted by the Defence Headquarters is overseeing the planning and execution of the event to ensure global standards and effective coordination.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG), Dera Nnadi reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s readiness to play a critical facilitative and regulatory role in ensuring the success of the exhibition.
DCG Nnadi described AFRIDECS as more than a security-focused initiative, stressing that it also presents significant economic, cultural and diplomatic benefits for Nigeria.
“This is beyond the security implications. For us in the Nigeria Customs Service, it is an economic opportunity, a cultural gain and a platform to project the best of Nigeria to the international community. Customs will play its role in facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring strict regulatory compliance,” he said.
He assured the Steering Committee of the Service’s commitment to providing seamless Customs processes, particularly with regard to the temporary importation of exhibition equipment and materials, to guarantee smooth entry and exit procedures without compromising national security standards.
Also speaking at the meeting, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Timi Bomodi, who oversees Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, commended DICON for initiating what he described as a bold and strategic exhibition with far-reaching implications for national security and economic development.
DCG Bomodi noted that while the Nigeria Customs Service has vast experience in handling international exhibitions and trade fairs, AFRIDECS is particularly unique due to the sensitive nature of the items involved, which are expected to largely comprise military hardware and defence-related equipment.
He explained that Customs would adopt simplified and transparent temporary importation procedures, provided all regulatory requirements are met.
He emphasised the need for advance notification, comprehensive documentation and the submission of End User Certificates to ensure effective control, accountability and compliance with both national and international regulations.
The Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition, the first of its kind on the continent, is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a leader in defence innovation, deepen international defence and security cooperation, unlock new economic opportunities and reinforce the country’s national security architecture, with the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as a key enabler of the landmark event.
