By Tunde Ojudun
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged full institutional support for the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), set to debut in Nigeria in 2026. The landmark event will position Nigeria as a continental hub for defence innovation, security collaboration, and industrial growth.
AFRIDECS was formally unveiled on 21 January 2026 during a courtesy visit by the exhibition’s Steering Committee to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja. The delegation, led by Major General Babatunde Alaya, Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), emphasized that the exhibition will convene military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers, and international partners from across the globe.
Major General Alaya explained that AFRIDECS is designed to showcase Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and technological innovation across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains, while also serving as a global platform for the exchange of cutting-edge security solutions.
“AFRIDECS is conceived to highlight indigenous capabilities while leveraging the expertise of international defence manufacturers. It will serve as a convergence point for defence, security, and technology stakeholders to exchange ideas and innovations,” he stated.
A multi-agency Steering Committee, constituted by Defence Headquarters, is overseeing the planning and execution of the event.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, DCG Dera Nnadi reaffirmed NCS’s readiness to play a critical facilitative and regulatory role. He described AFRIDECS as not only a security-driven initiative but also a significant economic, cultural, and diplomatic opportunity for Nigeria.
“This is beyond security implications. For us in Customs, it is an economic opportunity, a cultural gain, and a platform to project the best of Nigeria to the international community,” Nnadi said.
He assured the Steering Committee of seamless Customs processes, particularly in the temporary importation of exhibition equipment, ensuring ease of entry and exit without compromising national security standards.
Also speaking, DCG Timi Bomodi, in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, commended DICON for initiating what he described as a bold and strategic exhibition. He noted that while NCS has extensive experience handling international exhibitions, AFRIDECS is unique due to the sensitive involved — primarily military hardware and defence equipment.
Bomodi emphasized that Customs will adopt simplified, transparent importation procedures, provided regulatory requirements are met, including advance notification, detailed documentation, and End User Certificates to ensure accountability and compliance with national and international regulations.
AFRIDECS 2026 is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s image as a leader in defence innovation, deepen international cooperation and regional security collaboration, unlock economic opportunities through trade facilitation and partnerships, and reinforce Nigeria architecture.
With the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as a key enabler, AFRIDECS is set to become Africa’s premier defence and security showcase.