By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, innovation and national development as preparations gather momentum for the African International Defence Exhibition.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation led by Major General Umar Alkali during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, Mary Ali, the minister described the initiative as “a very special programme,” noting that meaningful progress in Nigeria’s defence and security architecture can only be achieved through collaboration rather than isolated efforts.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that institutions must embrace openness and partnerships in order to maximise impact and accelerate national growth.
He commended AFRIDEX as an important platform for both emerging and established innovators, particularly Nigerian youths who have continued to demonstrate exceptional creativity in the digital and cybersecurity sectors.
The minister noted that providing visibility for such talents is essential for strengthening national pride, promoting economic advancement and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Highlighting the importance of research to national development, he described it as the backbone of innovation and urged stronger linkages between research outputs and market opportunities.
According to him, platforms that enable innovators, manufacturers and investors to interact are critical to ensuring that research efforts translate into tangible economic value.
Tunji-Ojo also encouraged the organisers to make AFRIDEX an annual event, noting that while the maiden edition may present certain challenges, it would also provide valuable lessons that could help strengthen future editions.
He further called for broader collaboration among security and intelligence agencies, emphasising that the current security landscape demands collective action.
“This is not a time for territorial thinking, but for collective progress,” he said.
Reaffirming the support of the Ministry of Interior, the minister described the initiative as one that represents “the future, not just the present,” adding that sustained commitment would attract international participation and stimulate the growth of indigenous defence industries.
On visa facilitation for international participants, Tunji-Ojo acknowledged ongoing improvements in Nigeria’s visa processing system but recommended the establishment of a dedicated support desk to ensure seamless entry for the expected influx of global attendees.
Earlier, Alkali expressed appreciation to the minister for granting the delegation an audience and commended his continued support for capacity building and inter-agency cooperation.
He formally introduced AFRIDEX as a premier global defence and security exhibition scheduled to hold from October 26 to 29, 2026, at Eko Atlantic City.
Organised with the support of the Federal Government and hosted by the Federal Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, the exhibition is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts and innovators.
The event will showcase cutting-edge solutions across land, air, maritime, space and cyber domains, with more than 30,000 international participants and about 500 exhibitors expected to attend.
Alkali also highlighted the strategic role of the Federal Ministry of Interior in ensuring the success of the event, particularly in the areas of security coordination and visa facilitation.
He formally invited the minister to participate in the exhibition and requested the ministry’s support in promoting AFRIDEX through its platforms while encouraging agencies under its supervision to actively participate.
The visit ended with both parties expressing commitment to stronger collaboration and a shared vision of positioning Nigeria as a global hub for defence innovation and security solutions.
