Nigeria Customs Endorses Africa’s First Defence, Security Exhibition Ahead of 2026 Hosting

Nigeria Customs Endorses Africa’s First Defence, Security Exhibition Ahead of 2026 Hosting

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its institutional backing for Africa’s first comprehensive Defence and Security Exhibition, slated to be hosted by Nigeria in 2026, a move expected to position the country as a continental hub for defence innovation, security cooperation and industrial growth.

The landmark event, known as the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), was formally unveiled during a courtesy visit by the AFRIDECS Steering Committee to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.

Leading the delegation, the Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Babatunde Alaya, disclosed that AFRIDECS 2026 would bring together military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers and international partners from across the world.

According to him, the exhibition is designed to showcase Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and technological innovations across land, sea, air, cyber and space domains, while providing a global platform for the exchange of advanced security 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,” Alaya said.

He added that the exhibition is strategically positioned to become Africa’s premier defence and security showcase, reflecting Nigeria’s expanding influence in defence industrialisation, regional security collaboration and strategic innovation. He further noted that a multi-agency Steering Committee constituted by Defence Headquarters is overseeing the planning and execution of the event.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Dera Nnadi, assured the delegation of the Service’s readiness to play a vital facilitative and regulatory role in ensuring the success of AFRIDECS.

DCG Nnadi described the exhibition as not only a security-driven initiative but also a significant economic, cultural and diplomatic opportunity for Nigeria.

“This goes beyond security considerations. For the Nigeria Customs Service, it represents an economic opportunity, a cultural gain and a platform to project the best of Nigeria to the international community. Customs will facilitate legitimate trade while ensuring strict regulatory compliance,” he stated.

He pledged the Service’s commitment to providing seamless Customs processes, particularly for the temporary importation and re-exportation of exhibition equipment, to guarantee smooth operations without compromising national security standards.

Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, 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 extensive experience in managing international exhibitions, AFRIDECS presents unique challenges due to the sensitive nature of the items involved, which are expected to include military hardware and defence equipment.

He explained that Customs would implement simplified and transparent temporary importation procedures, provided all regulatory requirements are met. He emphasised the need for advance notifications, detailed documentation and the submission of End User Certificates to ensure accountability and compliance with national and international regulations.

AFRIDECS, the first defence and security exhibition of its kind on the African continent, is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s global standing in defence innovation, deepen international cooperation, unlock economic opportunities and reinforce the nation’s security architecture, with the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as a key enabler of its success.