By: Emiola Osifeso
The Nigerian government has announced plans to host what it calls Africa’s largest defence and security exhibition in Lagos come 2026.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday with UK-based DMG Events to bring the Africa Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDEX) to Lagos between October 25–29, 2026. The deal was struck on the sidelines of the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.
DICON’s Director-General, Major Gen. Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, described the agreement as a “shared vision to deliver a world-class exhibition in Nigeria,” insisting AFRIDEX would bring together defence chiefs, government officials, and global arms manufacturers.
Nick Ornstein, Vice-President of DMG Events, promised that the exhibition would serve as a hub for networking, showcasing military hardware, and exchanging security intelligence.
But critics are already questioning the timing of such a grand project. With terrorism, banditry, and violent crime still devastating communities across Nigeria, many wonder if a multi-million-dollar exhibition of arms and technology is more about prestige than actually fixing the security collapse ordinary citizens face daily.
According to organisers, AFRIDEX 2026 is expected to attract defence ministers, service chiefs, and top industry players, making it the most significant defence and security showcase ever hosted on the continent.
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