Nigeria Secures Deal To Host Africa’s Biggest Defence Exhibition
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DMG Events, a United Kingdom–based company, to co-host the maiden International Defence Exhibition in Lagos.
Officials sealed the agreement during the ongoing African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit 2025 in Abuja.
The Director General of DICON, Major General B.I. Alaya, explained that the exhibition, known as AFRIDEX 2026, will be held from October 26 to 29, 2026.
Alaya stated that the event will present advanced solutions, foster strategic partnerships, and provide a platform for discussions on the future of the African defence industry.
“The 2026 edition will be the largest defence and security exhibition in Africa, uniting military officials, government representatives, and technology pioneers from across the globe.
“Designed to inspire collaboration and innovation, the exhibition will offer participants strategic insights, practical tools, and opportunities to transform ideas into action.
“Both local and international defence companies will showcase their products and services, including armoured vehicles, aircraft, naval vessels, weapons, ammunition, drones and other advanced defence systems,” he said.
He added that AFRIDEX 2026 will create avenues for African defence manufacturers to demonstrate their capabilities, share expertise, and pursue partnerships that could strengthen defence production within the continent.
According to him, the exhibition will also encourage knowledge sharing and technology transfer while improving Africa’s defence capacity and reputation.
Alaya further said the event will draw defence officials, industry professionals, and business leaders, stressing that it could influence the continent’s defence strategies and contribute to economic growth.
The signing ceremony had in attendance Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, alongside African Chiefs of Defence Staff, defence attachés, and other senior officials.
Nigeria Secures Deal To Host Africa’s Biggest Defence Exhibition is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
