…Tinubu seeks partnerships built on mutual respect; Defence Minister promises local production within one year

President Bola Tinubu has called on African countries and global defence technology companies to partner with Nigeria in strengthening security and promoting peace and stability across the continent.

Tinubu made the call at the opening of the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, holding from Oct. 26 to Oct. 30 at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

The president, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said Nigeria was open to defence partnerships built on mutual trust and respect.

He noted that security threats were becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, requiring stronger cooperation among African countries and global innovators in Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Tinubu stressed that those entrusted with maintaining peace must take necessary measures to safeguard it, adding that Africa could not afford to ignore emerging trends in military equipment, personnel training and cooperation based on shared values.

According to him, peace and stability create opportunities, strengthen public trust in institutions and enable societies to approach the future with confidence.

He called for a coordinated approach to ensure that defence partnerships delivered tangible benefits, noting that Nigeria had talented young people who needed opportunities to thrive.

The president urged participants to use the exhibition to exchange knowledge, hold bilateral meetings, sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.

“Let the partnerships formed here strengthen our readiness. Let the knowledge exchanged here inspire our innovators. And let the commitments made here produce tangible results that our people can see and experience,” he said.

Earlier, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, urged participants to invest in Nigeria’s defence sector, disclosing that the country would commence large-scale local production of defence hardware within the next year.

He said the equipment would serve domestic needs and support exports, particularly to other African countries.

Musa added that engagements scheduled alongside the exhibition would strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations among defence establishments, government representatives, industry stakeholders and strategic partners.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, described AFRIDEX as a dynamic platform capable of achieving its objectives.

In goodwill messages, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and the representative of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Birame Diop, expressed optimism that the exhibition would provide an inclusive platform for African countries to strengthen and revitalise their defence sectors.

The Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Maj.-Gen. B.I. Alaya, commended Tinubu for his support for the corporation and pledged to enhance its production capacity.

Following the opening ceremony, Musa inspected exhibition stands showcasing defence products and technologies from various countries.

He also held an executive meeting with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).

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.