UK reaffirms defence partnership with Nigeria at inaugural AFRIDEX

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its Security and Defence Partnership with Nigeria through its participation in the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos State.

The UK said its presence at the exhibition underscores efforts to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in addressing shared security challenges while promoting defence, trade and investment across the region.

As part of the partnership, British events company DMG Events collaborated with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to organise the exhibition, bringing together government officials, defence institutions and industry leaders from across Africa.

Leading the UK delegation was Major General John Clarke, Commander of the Integrated Global Defence Network at the UK Ministry of Defence. He delivered the UK keynote address and participated in a panel discussion on defence partnerships, stressing the importance of long-term collaboration that strengthens institutions and builds sustainable defence capabilities.

According to Clarke, stronger defence partnerships are essential to promoting both security and economic prosperity.

He said the UK aims to build enduring relationships that enhance capability, develop skills, encourage innovation and create conditions for shared prosperity.

On the sidelines of AFRIDEX, the UK hosted a reception attended by senior officials from Nigeria and the UK across the defence, diplomatic, trade and business sectors.

Among those present were His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, Alastair Long; DICON Director-General, Major General Ibrahim Babatunde Alaya; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Akomaye Undiandeye; British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter; British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Thomas Harper; and Major General John Clarke.

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The UK, in a statement on Tuesday, October 28, 2026, said the engagement reflected the broader UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership by linking defence cooperation with shared goals of economic growth, trade and investment.

Brigadier Harper described AFRIDEX as an important African-led platform for identifying practical areas of cooperation and strengthening long-term partnerships.

Throughout the exhibition, UK officials engaged African and international counterparts on regional security issues, defence capability development and opportunities for deeper collaboration between governments and industry.

The UK said AFRIDEX demonstrated its commitment to supporting stronger security, defence cooperation and shared prosperity through diplomacy, commercial partnerships and institutional collaboration with Nigeria and other African countries.