The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its strong institutional backing for Africa’s first-ever comprehensive Defence and Security Exhibition, scheduled to be hosted by Nigeria in 2026—a landmark event expected to position the country as a continental hub for defence innovation, security collaboration and industrial growth.
The exhibition, known as the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), was formally unveiled during a courtesy visit by members of 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 the 2026 exhibition will bring together military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers and international partners from across the globe.
According to him, AFRIDECS is designed to spotlight 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 cutting-edge 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 emerge as Africa’s premier defence and security showcase, reflecting Nigeria’s growing influence in defence industrialisation, regional security cooperation and strategic innovation. He noted that a multi-agency Steering Committee constituted by Defence Headquarters is currently overseeing the planning and execution of the event.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG), Dera Nnadi, reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to play a critical facilitative and regulatory role to ensure the success of the exhibition.
DCG Nnadi described AFRIDECS not only as a security-focused initiative but also as a major economic, cultural and diplomatic opportunity for Nigeria.
“This is beyond the security implications. For us in the Nigeria Customs Service, it is an economic opportunity, a cultural gain and a platform to project the best of Nigeria to the international community. Customs will play its role in facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring strict regulatory compliance,” he stated.
He assured the Steering Committee of the Service’s commitment to providing seamless Customs processes—particularly in the temporary importation of exhibition equipment—to guarantee ease of entry and exit without compromising national security standards.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, DCG 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 vast experience in managing international exhibitions, AFRIDECS is unique due to the sensitive nature of the items involved, which will largely consist of military hardware and defence equipment.
He explained that Customs would adopt simplified and transparent temporary importation procedures, provided all regulatory requirements are met. He stressed the importance of advance notification, comprehensive documentation and the submission of End User Certificates to ensure effective control, accountability and compliance with both national and international regulations.
AFRIDECS—the first defence and security exhibition of its kind on the African continent—is expected to enhance Nigeria’s global standing in defence innovation, deepen international partnerships, unlock economic opportunities and strengthen the nation’s security architecture, with the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as a key enabler of its success.
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2026-01-24