The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reaffirmed its institutional support for Africa’s first comprehensive Defence and Security Exhibition, set to be hosted in Nigeria in 2026.
The event is expected to position the country as a continental hub for defence innovation, security collaboration, and industrial advancement.
The exhibition, named the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition, AFRIDECS, was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the AFRIDECS Steering Committee to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 21 January 2026.
The delegation was led by Major General Babatunde Alaya, Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, DICON.
Major General Alaya said AFRIDECS would bring together military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers, and international partners to showcase Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and technological innovation across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains.
“AFRIDECS is conceived to showcase indigenous capabilities while leveraging international expertise. It will serve as a convergence point for defence, security, and technology stakeholders to exchange ideas and innovations,” he stated, noting that the exhibition is strategically positioned to become Africa’s premier defence and security showcase.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi assured the Steering Committee that NCS would play a critical role in facilitating the smooth and secure importation of exhibition equipment.
Adeniyi who was represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi described the exhibition as not only a security-driven initiative but also an economic, cultural, and diplomatic opportunity for Nigeria.
“This is beyond the security implications. Customs will facilitate legitimate trade while ensuring strict regulatory compliance,” CGC Adeniyi said, highlighting the Service’s readiness to provide seamless processes for temporary imports without compromising national security standards.
Also speaking, DCG Timi Bomodi, in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, commended DICON for initiating a strategic exhibition with far-reaching implications for national security and economic development.
He said AFRIDECS is unique due to the sensitive nature of military hardware and defence equipment to be showcased.
The first-of-its-kind exhibition is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s image as a leader in defence innovation, foster international cooperation, unlock economic opportunities, and reinforce national security, with the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as a key enabler of its success.