Nigeria Customs Endorses Africa’s First Defence and 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, describing the event as a historic milestone for the continent and a boost to Nigeria’s strategic standing.
The exhibition, known as the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), was formally presented during a courtesy visit by the AFRIDECS Steering Committee to the NCS 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, said the 2026 event would bring together military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers and international partners from around the world.
According to him, AFRIDECS is aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and technological innovation across land, maritime, air, cyber and space domains, while also serving as a global platform for the exchange of advanced security solutions.
He noted that the exhibition is strategically positioned to emerge as Africa’s premier defence and security showcase, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in defence industrialisation, regional security cooperation and technological innovation. He added that a multi-agency Steering Committee established by the Defence Headquarters is coordinating 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 key facilitative and regulatory role to ensure the success of the exhibition.
DCG Nnadi described AFRIDECS as more than a security-focused initiative, noting that it also presents significant economic, cultural and diplomatic opportunities for the country. He said the NCS would facilitate legitimate trade and ensure smooth Customs processes, particularly in the temporary importation of exhibition equipment, while maintaining strict compliance with national security and regulatory 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 growth.
DCG Bomodi said although the NCS has extensive experience handling international exhibitions, AFRIDECS is unique due to the sensitive nature of the items involved, which are expected to include military hardware and defence equipment. He explained that simplified and transparent temporary importation procedures would be applied, subject to full regulatory compliance, advance notification, detailed documentation and the submission of End User Certificates.
AFRIDECS, the first defence and security exhibition of its kind in Africa, is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s image as a continental leader in defence innovation, deepen international partnerships, unlock economic opportunities and reinforce the country’s national security framework, with the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as a key facilitator of its success.