Nigeria will commence massive local production of defence hardware within the next one year for domestic use and export, particularly to other African countries.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
A statement signed by Chief Information Officer Ministry of Defence Queenet Iheoma-Hart says the Minister called on local and international investors to take advantage of the exhibition to invest in Nigeria’s defence industry
General Christopher Musa stressed that local production of Defense Hardware would strengthen the country’s defence capabilities and create opportunities for economic growth and development.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared that Nigeria is open to defence partnerships based on mutual trust and respect.
The President noted that security threats were becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, requiring stronger cooperation among African countries and global technology innovators.
He called on defence partners and innovators in Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies to collaborate with Nigeria in promoting peace and stability across the continent.
President Tinubu also urged participants to use the exhibition to exchange knowledge, hold bilateral meetings, sign memoranda of understanding and explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Major General B.I. Alaya, commended President Tinubu for his continued support for the corporation and pledged to enhance its production capacity.
After the opening ceremony, the Minister of Defence inspected exhibition stands featuring products from various countries and held an executive meeting with the United States Africa Command.
The exhibition, which brought together defence stakeholders from Nigeria and other countries, was aimed at promoting partnerships, technological innovation and investment in the defence sector.
The event attracted the Chief of Defence Staff, serving and former Service Chiefs, the Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Defence and representatives from more than 20 African countries.
Shindong Bala
