Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, says the Federal Government is accelerating efforts to expand local production of defence equipment as part of broader measures to strengthen national security and improve self-reliance.
Matawalle made this known on Thursday in Abuja during a news briefing on the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, scheduled to take place from October 26 to 29, 2026, in Lagos.
He said the exhibition, organized in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and DMG Events, will highlight Nigeria’s growing defence-industrial capabilities and attract global collaboration.
According to him, boosting indigenous production remains central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s defence agenda, and AFRIDEX 2026 will provide a strategic platform to promote local manufacturers, encourage technology transfer and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
The minister said the four-day event will convene defence manufacturers, policymakers, security experts and innovators from Africa, Europe and Asia for exhibitions, strategic forums, live demonstrations and high-level engagements covering land, air, maritime and emerging security systems.
He added that the exhibition will enhance regional cooperation, support research partnerships and position Nigeria as a leading hub for defence innovation on the continent.
Matawalle also urged the media to give wide coverage to the event, saying it would help project Nigeria’s readiness to build a competitive, technology-driven and self-sustaining defence industry.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring AFRIDEX 2026 becomes a major milestone in the country’s defence-industrial transformation and a symbol of Africa’s determination to strengthen its own security architecture.
In his remarks, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, said the exhibition will provide an opportunity to spotlight Nigeria’s defence-industrial potential and deepen collaboration with international partners.
He said the event would strengthen engagement, support indigenous capability and contribute to the shared goal of building a safer and more resilient Africa.
Also speaking, the President of DMG Events, Christopher Hudson, said Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to defence capability development have placed the country at the centre of Africa’s security future.
Hudson said the exhibition will connect leaders and decision-makers with the ideas, innovation and cooperation required to support modernization and deliver meaningful progress for Africa’s defence and security community.
According to him, AFRIDEX 2026 will become an important annual meeting point for policymakers, armed forces, manufacturers, technology innovators, research organizations and international delegations.
“The event will offer extensive opportunities for industrial collaboration, procurement engagement, investment and partnership building, supporting the continent’s long-term security and capability development,” he said.
