The Federal Government has restated its commitment to inter-agency collaboration, innovation, and national development as part of preparations for the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation led by Major General Umar Alkali on a courtesy visit in his office.
Speaking during the engagement, the Minister described the AFRIDEX initiative as “a very special programme,” stressing that meaningful progress in Nigeria’s defence and security architecture can only be achieved through strong collaboration among institutions rather than isolated efforts. He called on security and intelligence agencies to deepen partnership and embrace openness in order to enhance national security and development outcomes.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo further commended AFRIDEX as a strategic platform for showcasing innovation, particularly among Nigerian youths excelling in digital technology and cybersecurity. He noted that providing visibility for young innovators would strengthen national pride, boost economic growth, and improve global competitiveness.
He also emphasized the importance of research and innovation, stating that stronger linkages between inventors, manufacturers, and investors were essential to translate ideas into economic value. According to him, platforms that connect research outputs with market opportunities remain critical to national development.
Encouraging the organisers, the Minister proposed that AFRIDEX should become an annual event, noting that while the maiden edition may face challenges, it would also provide valuable lessons for improvement. He further urged broader collaboration across all security agencies, stressing that “this is not a time for territorial thinking, but for collective progress.”
Reaffirming the Ministry’s support, he described AFRIDEX 2026 as an initiative “representing the future, not just the present,” adding that sustained efforts would position Nigeria as a global hub for defence innovation and attract international participation.
On visa facilitation, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo acknowledged ongoing improvements in the system and recommended the establishment of a dedicated support desk to ensure seamless entry for expected international participants.
Earlier, Major General Umar Alkali, leader of the delegation, expressed appreciation to the Minister for the audience and his continued support for capacity building and inter-agency cooperation. He formally introduced AFRIDEX 2026 as a premier global defence and security exhibition scheduled to hold from October 26–29, 2026, at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
Organised with the support of the Federal Government and hosted by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the exhibition is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators. It will showcase cutting-edge solutions across land, air, maritime, space, and cyber security domains, with anticipated participation of over 30,000 international attendees and 500 exhibitors.
Major General Umar Alkali also highlighted the critical role of the Ministry of Interior in ensuring the success of the event, particularly in the areas of security coordination and visa facilitation, while formally inviting the Minister to participate and support wider mobilisation across relevant agencies.
The visit ended with a mutual commitment to partnership and a shared vision of positioning Nigeria as a global hub for defence innovation and security solutions.
