By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its full institutional support for Africa’s first-ever comprehensive Defence and Security Exhibition, the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), slated to be hosted by Nigeria in 2026.
The exhibition was formally unveiled during a courtesy visit by the AFRIDECS Steering Committee to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.

The delegation was led by the Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Babatunde Alaya.
Major General Alaya disclosed that AFRIDECS 2026 would bring together military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers and international partners from across the world, positioning Nigeria as a continental hub for defence innovation, security collaboration and industrial advancement.

He explained that the exhibition is designed to showcase Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and technological innovations across land, sea, air, cyber and space domains, while also serving as a global platform for the exchange of cutting-edge security solutions.
“AFRIDECS is conceived to highlight indigenous capabilities and manufacturing while leveraging the expertise of international defence manufacturers. It will provide a convergence point for defence, security and technology stakeholders to exchange ideas and innovations,” Alaya said.

According to him, the exhibition is strategically positioned to become Africa’s premier defence and security showcase, reflecting Nigeria’s expanding influence in defence industrialisation, regional security cooperation and strategic innovation. He added that a multi-agency Steering Committee constituted by the 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, Dera Nnadi, reaffirmed the readiness of the Nigeria Customs Service to play a critical facilitative and regulatory role in ensuring the success of the exhibition.

DCG Nnadi described AFRIDECS as not only a security-focused initiative but also a major economic, cultural and diplomatic opportunity for the country.
“This goes beyond security. For the Nigeria Customs Service, it represents an economic opportunity, a cultural gain and a platform to project the best of Nigeria to the international community. Customs will facilitate legitimate trade while ensuring strict regulatory compliance,” he said.
He assured the Steering Committee of Customs’ commitment to providing seamless processes, particularly in the temporary importation and exportation of exhibition equipment, to ensure smooth operations without compromising national security standards.

Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, 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 in managing international exhibitions, AFRIDECS is unique due to the sensitive nature of the items involved, largely comprising military hardware and defence equipment.

He stated that Customs would adopt simplified and transparent temporary importation procedures, provided all regulatory requirements are met, and stressed the need for advance notification, comprehensive documentation and End User Certificates to ensure accountability and compliance with national and international regulations.

The Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition, the first of its kind on the continent, is expected to enhance Nigeria’s standing as a leader in defence innovation, deepen international cooperation, unlock economic opportunities and strengthen the nation’s security architecture, with the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as a key enabler of its success.