The Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Abdul Usman (retd.), stated this while representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the opening ceremony of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX 2026), held at Eko Atlantic, Lagos.
Usman in a statement made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday described the exhibition as an important platform for strengthening Africa’s collective security architecture through technological innovation, local defence production and strategic cooperation.
According to him, African countries must invest more in indigenous research, local manufacturing and technological advancement to develop sustainable solutions to their security challenges.
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“Africa must increasingly leverage indigenous research, local manufacturing capabilities and technological advancement to develop sustainable solutions to its security challenges rather than depend entirely on external sources for critical defence equipment and technologies,” he said.
He said the Sokoto State Government recognised the importance of strategic partnerships and modern security solutions in addressing the security challenges confronting the state and the North-West region
Usman added that the government remained committed to supporting security agencies, strengthening community-based security initiatives and providing operational resources to complement federal government efforts to restore peace and protect lives and property.
He expressed optimism that AFRIDEX 2026 would provide opportunities for meaningful partnerships between Nigeria’s defence industry and international technology providers, particularly in intelligence gathering, equipment manufacturing, border surveillance and unmanned systems.
He also commended the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) for organising the exhibition, describing it as a significant step towards positioning Nigeria as a major contributor to Africa’s defence and security industry.
The exhibition was officially declared open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the President of the Senate, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.
The ceremony attracted top government officials and security stakeholders, including the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, ministers of defence, senior military officers, General Officers Commanding, Flag Officers Commanding, Air Officers Commanding and the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
AFRIDEX 2026, held from October 26 to 29 at Eko Atlantic, Lagos, brought together local and international stakeholders to showcase defence technologies, promote indigenous industrial capacity and strengthen cooperation among African countries and international partners.
The Sokoto State Government reiterated its readiness to embrace innovative security solutions and strategic partnerships to promote lasting peace, stability and sustainable development.
