By George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged African countries to reduce their dependence on foreign defence equipment and invest in local production to strengthen the continent’s security and military capabilities.
Akpabio made the call while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the opening ceremony of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
He stressed the need for African countries to build their domestic defence industries through research, technology transfer and partnerships that would enable them to manufacture and maintain military equipment locally.
In his remarks delivered by Akpabio, Tinubu said defence partnerships should go beyond the supply of military hardware to include skills development, technical training and support for local industries.
He maintained that African countries must develop the capacity to produce and maintain their own equipment instead of relying heavily on foreign suppliers.
The President also called for adequate funding, proper equipment and sustained institutional support for African-led peace operations, noting that military personnel needed the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively.
Tinubu identified terrorism, insurgency, banditry, piracy and other security threats as major challenges facing Nigeria and the continent. He said these threats continued to endanger lives, displace communities and disrupt economic activities.
He paid tribute to military personnel who had lost their lives in the line of duty and stressed the need to provide the Armed Forces with adequate equipment, training and operational support.
The President expressed hope that AFRIDEX 2026 would bring together military officials, defence manufacturers, technology experts and investors to develop practical solutions to Africa’s security challenges.
Nigeria has been working to expand its domestic defence manufacturing capacity through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and partnerships with private-sector manufacturers.
AFRIDEX 2026, holding in Lagos from October 26 to 29, is expected to provide opportunities for African countries and international defence companies to explore partnerships, exchange technical knowledge and promote local production.
