Nigeria Customs Backs AFRIDECS 2026 Defence, Security Exhibition

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its support for the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS), scheduled to hold in Nigeria in 2026, describing it as a major boost for defence cooperation, innovation, and economic growth.

The Nigeria Customs Service has pledged its institutional support for AFRIDECS 2026, Africa’s first comprehensive defence and security exhibition, during a courtesy visit by the event’s Steering Committee to its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 21 January 2026.

The delegation was led by the Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Babatunde Alaya, who said the exhibition would bring together military institutions, security agencies, government bodies, defence manufacturers, and international partners.

He explained that AFRIDECS will showcase Nigeria’s defence manufacturing capacity and technological development across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains, while providing a platform for global collaboration and knowledge exchange. He added that a multi-agency Steering Committee set up by the Defence Headquarters is overseeing preparations.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Deputy Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi described the exhibition as both a security and economic opportunity for Nigeria, assuring that Customs would ensure smooth regulatory processes, particularly for the temporary importation of exhibition equipment.

Also speaking, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, noted that AFRIDECS presents unique responsibilities due to the sensitive nature of defence equipment, adding that Customs would apply simplified but strict procedures to ensure compliance with national and international regulations.

AFRIDECS 2026 is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s profile in defence innovation, expand international cooperation, and support national security efforts, with the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as a key partner.