Military Hardware: DICON Targets Investment, Production Deals From AFRIDEX 2026

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has identified investment, industrial partnerships and practical production outcomes as key priorities following its participation in the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026.

The corporation said the next phase would be to translate engagements at the four-day exhibition into concrete initiatives capable of expanding Nigeria’s domestic defence manufacturing capacity.

DICON’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Maria Sambo, who disclosed this on Thursday in Kaduna, noted0 that the exhibition, held in Lagos from October 26 to 29, provided opportunities for engagement among government representatives, military leaders, defence manufacturers and technology providers.

According to her, discussions at the exhibition examined opportunities for industrial partnerships, technology transfer, local production and capacity development, amid changing security challenges across Africa.

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

Sambo added that collaboration among African defence industries could facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and create opportunities for partnerships that would improve the continent’s industrial resilience.

She, however, stressed the importance of converting discussions and professional engagements into practical outcomes that could encourage investment and support long-term development of Nigeria’s defence industry.

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