The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged full institutional support for Africa’s first comprehensive Defence and Security Exhibition, scheduled to be hosted by Nigeria in 2026, as the country positions itself as a continental hub for defence innovation, security collaboration and industrial development.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS) Steering Committee to the NCS 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, said the 2026 exhibition will bring together military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers and international partners from across the world.
He 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 providing a global platform for the exchange of modern 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 expected to become Africa’s premier defence and security platform, reflecting Nigeria’s expanding influence in defence industrialisation, regional security cooperation and strategic innovation.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG), Dera Nnadi, reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to play a key facilitative and regulatory role in the success of the event.
According to him, AFRIDECS goes beyond security concerns and presents economic, cultural and diplomatic opportunities for the country.
“This is beyond the security implications. For 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 ensure seamless trade facilitation while maintaining strict regulatory compliance,” Nnadi said.
He assured the steering committee of Customs’ commitment to providing efficient procedures, particularly for the temporary importation of exhibition equipment, to guarantee smooth entry and exit processes without compromising national security standards.
Also speaking, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Timi Bomodi, in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, commended DICON for initiating what he described as a strategic and forward-looking exhibition.
Bomodi noted that although Customs has experience handling international exhibitions, AFRIDECS presents unique operational considerations due to the sensitive nature of military hardware and defence equipment involved.
He said the Service would implement simplified and transparent temporary importation processes, provided all regulatory conditions are met, stressing the importance of advance documentation, proper declarations and End User Certificates to ensure accountability and compliance with national and international regulations.
The Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS) is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s global defence profile, deepen international partnerships, unlock economic opportunities and enhance the country’s national security architecture, with the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as a critical stakeholder in its successful delivery.
