AFRIDEX 2026: Matawalle Advances Nigeria’s Defence Industrialisation Drive, Engages Global Manufacturers on Strategic Partnerships

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has intensified engagements with local and international defence manufacturers, technology companies and government representatives as Nigeria pushes to strengthen indigenous defence production, deepen strategic partnerships and accelerate the development of its defence industrial capabilities.

The engagements took place on the second day of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, holding at Eko Atlantic, Lagos, where the Minister led a series of high-level meetings and explored emerging defence technologies with potential applications for Nigeria’s military and security architecture.

Hosted by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), AFRIDEX 2026 brings together leading defence manufacturers, technology innovators, government officials and military stakeholders to explore opportunities for defence industrialisation, technological advancement and international collaboration.

As part of his engagements, Matawalle met with the Deputy Minister of Defence of Türkiye, Musa Heybet; General Jeanne of France’s Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), the French government agency responsible for defence procurement and technology; and Mr. Osman Chennar, Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, a joint venture involving DICON.

He also held discussions with Mr. Obafemi Adekunle, Group Chief Executive Officer of the SPO-DICON Joint Venture; Mr. Nijat Heybatov, Sales Manager for West Africa at Azercosmos; and other senior government and industry representatives.

The engagements reflect Nigeria’s growing emphasis on building a sustainable domestic defence industry through international cooperation, private sector participation, technology transfer and the development of local manufacturing capabilities.

Beyond the bilateral engagements, the Minister toured several exhibition stands showcasing innovations in military hardware, unmanned aerial systems, surveillance technologies, cybersecurity and other advanced defence solutions.

Among the exhibitors visited were DICON-D7G, EPAIL-Nigeria, UAS-Briech, Türkiye’s Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB), and China’s Poly Technologies Inc.

The Minister also explored technologies presented by leading international defence companies, including Aselsan, Havelsan, MKE, Sky-DAGGER, Rovin-Guard, NORINCO, Resource Industries and South Korea’s Jeil Industrial.

Other exhibitors visited included Vanquish-Nigeria, NIGUS Tactical Systems and the Nigerian Army Research, Development and Innovation establishment, whose participation highlighted the growing role of indigenous research and technological innovation in Nigeria’s defence sector.

The technologies on display included advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, tactical mini-UAV platforms, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, military equipment and cybersecurity solutions.

For Nigeria, the exhibition provides an opportunity to explore technologies and industrial partnerships that can strengthen domestic production, enhance military capabilities and reduce long-term dependence on imported defence equipment.

The Minister’s engagements also align with the Federal Government’s broader objective of repositioning DICON as a major driver of indigenous defence manufacturing, research and development, and industrial collaboration.

Central to this ambition is the expansion of partnerships between DICON, local manufacturers and international defence technology companies to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to develop, manufacture and maintain critical military equipment.

AFRIDEX 2026, organised by DICON in collaboration with DMG Events UK, is being held from 26 to 29 October 2026 at Eko Atlantic, Lagos.

The exhibition has attracted defence industry stakeholders from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, providing a platform for showcasing emerging technologies, exchanging technical expertise and exploring opportunities for industrial cooperation.

As the exhibition enters its final stages, Matawalle is expected to continue engagements with exhibitors, defence industry leaders and international delegations, with discussions focused on strengthening partnerships and identifying opportunities to advance Nigeria’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

The exhibition represents another step in Nigeria’s efforts to build a more technologically advanced, competitive and self-reliant defence industry.

Through sustained investment in indigenous innovation, strategic partnerships and local manufacturing, the Federal Government aims to strengthen the country’s defence industrial base while positioning Nigeria as an increasingly important participant in Africa’s defence and security industry.