The Federal Government has formally endorsed the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) as the primary strategic platform to modernize Nigeria’s security architecture and drive indigenous innovation.
Scheduled to take place from October 26–29, 2026, at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, the inaugural event is being positioned not just as a hardware marketplace, but as a critical policy and technology hub. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and international partner dmg events.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, recently described AFRIDEX as a “very special programme” that represents the future of national security. While traditional exhibitions focus on tanks and aircraft, AFRIDEX is designed to bridge the gap between traditional military power and emerging digital threats.
The exhibition will cover five key domains:
• Land & Maritime: Advanced tactical vehicles and naval surveillance.
• Air: Next-generation manned and unmanned aerial systems.
• Space: Satellite communications and orbital intelligence.
• Cyber: Cybersecurity infrastructure and digital intelligence.
A central pillar of the FG’s backing is the promotion of homegrown talent. The government views AFRIDEX as a springboard for Nigerian youth and tech startups specializing in digital intelligence and cybersecurity.
“Meaningful progress within our defence and security architecture can only be achieved through collaboration rather than isolated efforts,” stated Dr. Tunji-Ojo.
To facilitate international participation, the Ministry of Interior has proposed a dedicated visa support desk, ensuring that the expected 30,000 attendees and 500 global exhibitors can navigate entry into Nigeria seamlessly.
By hosting a pan-African platform of this scale, Nigeria aims to transition from being a mere consumer of foreign defence technology to a hub for regional production and integration.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, noted that the launch of AFRIDEX 2026 reflects the rapid expansion of Africa’s security environment. By aligning the interests of the military, private tech firms, and policymakers, the Federal Government expects to accelerate the modernization of the Nigerian Armed Forces while attracting significant foreign direct investment into the local tech ecosystem.
As preparations intensify, AFRIDEX is set to become an annual fixture, signaling a shift toward an innovation-led approach to national and regional stability.
Military Hardware: AFRIDEX to Become Major Annual Platform for Defence
This video provides additional context on how the partnership between AFRIDEX and global event organizers aims to establish Nigeria as a leader in the African defence market.
