The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its institutional backing for Africa’s first-ever comprehensive Defence and Security Exhibition, the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), scheduled to be hosted by Nigeria in 2026.
The endorsement was given during a courtesy visit by the AFRIDECS Steering Committee to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 21 January 2026, marking a significant step in preparations for what is expected to be a landmark continental event.
The delegation was led by the Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Babatunde Alaya, who announced that the 2026 exhibition would bring together military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers, and international partners from across the globe.
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Major General Alaya stated 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 cutting-edge 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,” he said.
He added that the exhibition is strategically positioned to become Africa’s premier defence and security showcase, reflecting Nigeria’s growing influence in defence industrialisation, regional security cooperation, and strategic innovation. According to him, a multi-agency Steering Committee constituted by Defence Headquarters is overseeing the planning and execution of the event.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG), Dera Nnadi, reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s readiness to play a critical facilitative and regulatory role in ensuring the success of AFRIDECS.
DCG Nnadi described the exhibition as more than a security-focused initiative, highlighting its broader national benefits.
“This is beyond the security implications. For us in 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 play its role in facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring strict regulatory compliance,” he stated.
He assured the Steering Committee of the Service’s commitment to providing seamless Customs processes, particularly in the temporary importation and exportation of exhibition equipment, to guarantee ease of movement without compromising national security standards.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, DCG Timi Bomodi, commended DICON for initiating what he described as a bold and strategic exhibition with far-reaching implications for national security and economic development.
DCG Bomodi noted that while the Nigeria Customs Service has extensive experience handling international exhibitions, AFRIDECS is unique due to the sensitive nature of the items involved, which will largely consist of military hardware and defence equipment.
He explained that Customs would adopt simplified and transparent temporary importation procedures, provided all regulatory requirements are met. He emphasised the need for advance notification, comprehensive documentation, and the submission of End User Certificates to ensure effective control, accountability, and compliance with national and international regulations.
AFRIDECS, the first defence and security exhibition of its kind on the African continent, is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s image as a leader in defence innovation, deepen international cooperation, unlock economic opportunities, and reinforce the nation’s security architecture, with the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as a key enabler of its success.
