The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has endorsed Africa’s first-ever Defence and Security Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Nigeria, describing it as a platform to enhance defence industrialisation.
The exhibition, tagged the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the AFRIDECS Steering Committee to the Customs Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by the Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Babatunde Alaya, who disclosed that the 2026 exhibition would convene military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers and international partners from across the globe.
Major General Alaya 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 also 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,” Major Alaya stated.
He noted 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.
Alaya also revealed that a multi-agency Steering Committee constituted by Defence Headquarters is overseeing the planning and execution of the event.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, DCG Dera Nnadi reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to play a critical facilitative and regulatory role in ensuring the success of the exhibition.
DCG Nnadi described AFRIDECS as a security-driven initiative and a significant economic, cultural, and diplomatic opportunity for Nigeria.
“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 said.
The DCG further assured the Steering Committee of the Service’s commitment to providing seamless Customs processes, particularly in the temporary importation of exhibition equipment, to guarantee ease of entry and exit without compromising national security standards.
On his part, 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 NCS has extensive experience in handling international exhibitions, AFRIDECS is particularly unique due to the sensitive nature of the items involved, which will primarily consist of military hardware and defence equipment.
He explained that Customs would adopt simplified, transparent temporary importation procedures, provided that all regulatory requirements are met.
Bomodi stressed the importance of advance notification, detailed documentation and the submission of End User Certificates to ensure proper control, accountability and compliance with national and international regulations.
The exhibition is projected to enhance Nigeria’s standing in defence innovation, promote stronger international partnerships, create new economic opportunities, and bolster the nation’s security framework, with the Nigeria Customs Service playing a pivotal role in its success.
