DICON leverages AFRIDEX 2026 to advance indigenous defence industry

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) says it is leveraging the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 to promote indigenous defence manufacturing and advance technological collaboration for national security.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of DICON, by the DG DICON Maj. Gen. Babatunde Alaya
on Thursday in Kaduna.

Sambo said the exhibition, held in Lagos from Oct. 26 to Oct. 29, brings together government representatives, military leaders, defence manufacturers, technology providers and industry stakeholders to explore emerging technologies and industrial partnerships.

She said AFRIDEX 2026 provides a platform for showcasing defence capabilities, facilitating professional engagements and exploring opportunities for technology transfer, local production and capacity development.

According to her, strategic discussions at the exhibition have examined the changing global security environment and its implications for Africa, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and stronger indigenous defence-industrial capabilities.

She said the engagements align with DICON’s mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic defence production capacity and support sustainable industrial solutions for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Sambo added that the exhibition also offers African defence industries opportunities to exchange expertise and develop partnerships that contribute to self-reliance and resilience across the continent.

She said attention would now turn to translating the engagements into practical outcomes that strengthen indigenous capabilities, encourage investment and support long-term defence-industrial development.

“DICON reaffirms its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s defence industry and contributing to a more technologically capable and secure Africa,” she said.