Customs Backs Africa’s First Defence, Security Exhibition

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed its support for Africa’s inaugural comprehensive Defence and Security Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Nigeria this year.

The Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDECS) was discussed during a courtesy visit by the exhibition’s Steering Committee to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.

Major General Babatunde Alaya, Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), said the exhibition will bring together military institutions, security agencies, government ministries, defence manufacturers, and international partners.

He noted that AFRIDECS aims to showcase Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and technological innovation across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains, while also serving as a platform for the exchange of security solutions.

Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Dera Nnadi, representing the CGC, reaffirmed NCS’s readiness to facilitate and regulate processes for the exhibition, particularly the temporary importation of equipment.

Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, commended DICON for organizing the exhibition, highlighting the strategic importance and sensitive nature of the items involved.

He emphasized that Customs will implement simplified, transparent procedures in line with regulatory and international requirements.

AFRIDECS is the first defence and security exhibition of its kind on the African continent.