Lagos opens first Africa International Defence Exhibition, with local manufacturing at the centre

The inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX 2026) opened on October 26 at Eko Atlantic, Lagos, running for four days until October 29. Hosted by Nigeria's Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) and held under the patronage of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it brings together government representatives, military leaders, capability planners, manufacturers and technology providers across the Land, Maritime, Air, Cyber and Space domains.

The host's pitch: not just hardware, but manufacturing

The organisers position the exhibition as a platform for structured engagement on capability development, interoperability, industrial resilience and training-led operational readiness — not merely a display of equipment. DICON Director-General Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya invited investors and international companies to consider manufacturing partnerships in Nigeria, saying the country is open for business in the defence and security sector and inviting stakeholders ready to partner to bring manufacturing to Nigeria so DICON and its partners can produce locally. Cooperation could extend beyond manufacturing to engineering, research, maintenance, training and specialist services.

The eve-of-opening inspection

Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle inspected the Eko Atlantic venue on October 25, commending Alaya and his team for their preparations. According to a statement signed by his media aide, the exhibition is expected to bring together military leaders, government officials, defence manufacturers, technology developers and investors, showcasing defence technologies and indigenous innovations and providing a platform for discussions on emerging security threats, technology transfer, investment opportunities and partnerships.

Why Italy and Leonardo are there

Italy's official delegation and aerospace company Leonardo have confirmed participation. The backdrop is a live aircraft programme: on September 15, the Nigerian Air Force received three Leonardo AW109 Trekker helicopters in Lagos, the first deliveries under an additional ten-aircraft programme, with the remaining seven expected before the end of 2026. Together with two Trekkers acquired by 2024, the planned total is twelve. Their intended roles are reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue, and Nigerian Air Force leadership has also proposed a Leonardo maintenance hub in Nigeria as part of longer-term in-country sustainment.