Customs and the Making of Africa’s First Defence-Security Exhibition
By Abdulsalam Mahmud
Nigeria is preparing to host a historic event that promises to redefine the continent’s defence and security landscape. The Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), the first of its kind in Africa, is set to convene military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers, and international partners under one roof this year.
In this ambitious endeavour, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its steadfast support, positioning itself as a key enabler in what is expected to be a landmark moment for the nation. The unveiling of AFRIDECS took place during a courtesy visit by its Steering Committee to the Customs Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Leading the delegation was Major General Babatunde Alaya, Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). The purpose of the exhibition, he explained, is not merely to display hardware but to showcase Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and technological innovation across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains.
General Alaya emphasized that AFRIDECS represents a convergence of ideas and innovation. It is conceived as a platform where domestic capabilities can meet international expertise, where Nigerian ingenuity in defence and security can be measured alongside global best practices.
“AFRIDECS is designed to showcase indigenous capabilities while leveraging the experience of international manufacturers. It is where innovation meets strategy,” he said. The exhibition, he continued, is not only a reflection of Nigeria’s growing influence in regional security cooperation but also a demonstration of the country’s commitment to advancing defence industrialisation.
The AFRIDECS Steering Committee, constituted by Defence Headquarters, is overseeing the meticulous planning required to ensure the event achieves its ambitious goals. Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to play a pivotal role.
He described AFRIDECS as more than a security-driven initiative, highlighting its potential as an economic, cultural, and diplomatic milestone for Nigeria. “This exhibition extends beyond the immediate security considerations. For Customs, it is an opportunity to facilitate legitimate trade, project Nigeria’s capabilities internationally, and contribute to the nation’s economic and cultural narrative,” DCG Nnadi observed.
Central to the Service’s commitment is ensuring seamless Customs processes for the temporary importation of exhibition equipment. The aim is to guarantee ease of entry and exit without compromising the standards of national security, a task that requires precision, coordination, and foresight.
Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi, responsible for Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, commended DICON for initiating what he described as a bold and strategic exhibition. He stressed its far-reaching implications for national security and economic development, underscoring that AFRIDECS is unique in its focus on sensitive military hardware and defence equipment.
Customs, DCG Bomodi explained, will adopt simplified yet transparent procedures for temporary imports, provided all regulatory requirements are strictly adhered to. He highlighted the necessity of advance notifications, detailed documentation, and the submission of End User Certificates to ensure accountability, proper control, and alignment with international norms.
Nigeria’s role as the host nation carries weighty responsibility.
The AFRIDECS exhibition is positioned to enhance the country’s image as a leader in defence innovation, deepen international cooperation, and unlock economic opportunities that extend far beyond the security sector. The Nigeria Customs, as a key facilitator, is tasked with balancing efficiency with vigilance.
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In a landscape where defence equipment requires meticulous oversight, the Service’s expertise in handling international exhibitions becomes an invaluable asset. Beyond logistics, AFRIDECS represents a symbolic moment for Nigeria. It signals the country’s emergence as a continental hub where strategy, technology, and security converge, where African ingenuity meets global innovation.
The Steering Committee has emphasized that the exhibition is designed to encourage collaboration among military and security agencies, both within Nigeria and across Africa. It is an avenue for sharing knowledge, exploring solutions, and fostering partnerships that strengthen regional security architecture.
For Nigerian manufacturers, AFRIDECS offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase domestic products on an international stage. It is a platform to demonstrate the sophistication, quality, and innovation embedded in local defence industries, challenging perceptions and opening doors to strategic partnerships. Economic implications are also profound.
The exhibition will attract investors, facilitate trade discussions, and stimulate industrial growth. From hotels to transport, from logistics to hospitality, AFRIDECS is expected to generate economic ripple effects that benefit the wider Nigerian economy. Culturally, AFRIDECS affords Nigeria the chance to tell its story.
Through exhibitions, demonstrations, and forums, the nation can highlight its technological advances, strategic initiatives, and commitment to peace and stability on the continent. Diplomatically, the exhibition serves as a bridge. Countries attending AFRIDECS will not only exchange technology but also cultivate relationships that extend beyond defence, encompassing trade, research, and innovation.
For the Nigeria Customs, the exhibition is also a test of agility and foresight. The Service must navigate complex regulatory frameworks while ensuring that every piece of equipment entering the country is accounted for and compliant with national and international standards. The confidence expressed by Customs leadership reflects the Service’s experience and competence.
AFRIDECS is unique, yes, but Nigeria has a proven track record in managing international exhibitions with sensitivity and precision. As the countdown to AFRIDECS begins, anticipation is building across sectors. The event promises to be a showcase of Nigeria’s potential, a reflection of its growing capacity to lead in technology, security, and industrial advancement.
The strategic vision behind AFRIDECS is clear: to position Nigeria not just as a participant but as a leader, a nation capable of convening global minds and presenting innovative solutions to pressing defence and security challenges. The exhibition will also serve as a knowledge hub, fostering dialogue among policymakers, manufacturers, security experts, and academics.
It is a space where ideas meet implementation, where policy informs practice, and where innovation drives strategy. For participants, AFRIDECS is a chance to witness firsthand Nigeria’s capacity to organize, coordinate, and execute an event of continental significance. It is an invitation to experience the nation’s organisational excellence and commitment to security and innovation.
The exhibition is, in many ways, a statement of intent. It tells the world that Africa, led by Nigeria, is ready to define its own path in defence and security, leveraging local capabilities while engaging with global partners. In backing AFRIDECS, the Nigeria Customs underscores the importance of synergy between government agencies.
It is a recognition that national security, economic growth, and international collaboration are intertwined, each reinforcing the other. As the nation prepares to host this historic exhibition, expectations are high. AFRIDECS promises to leave a lasting legacy, not only in advancing defence and security but also in strengthening Nigeria’s position as a hub of innovation, diplomacy, and continental leadership.
Nigeria, it seems, is ready to show the world that its vision extends beyond borders, that its ambitions are continental, and that in defence, security, and innovation, it is ready to lead.
Mahmud, Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, wrote in via: [email protected].
