The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for stronger regional defence cooperation, expanded defence-industrial collaboration and innovative financing for peace and security initiatives.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, made the call at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), holding in Lagos from 26 to 30 October 2026.
Diop said the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff was working to deepen regional cooperation and explore new approaches to financing security initiatives according to a statement published on the ECOWAS Commission’s website,
The event brought together political leaders, defence policymakers, military commanders, defence industrial enterprises, researchers, and security experts from across Africa and beyond.
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Delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Diop, “expressed the appreciation of ECOWAS to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast commitment to regional peace, security, and integration agenda”.
General Diop described AFRIDEX as a timely demonstration of Nigeria’s longstanding leadership in advancing regional peace, security, and integration.
The Commission President said the exhibition was taking place at a critical time, characterised by a complex security landscape, a rapidly changing geopolitical environment and constraints in accessing defence equipment, critical technologies and military capabilities.
He therefore emphasised “the importance of building resilience, self-reliance and indigenous defence capabilities to address evolving security threats effectively”.
He also underlined that the ongoing efforts by “ECOWAS to activate the ECOWAS Standby Force fight against terrorism reflects the region’s commitment to collective action, operational readiness, and self-reliance in addressing contemporary security challenges”.
General Diop called for support to initiatives like the AFRIDEX and the efforts of institutions such as Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu was represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Other dignitaries included the Minister of Defense, the Minister of State for Defense, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Service Chiefs, senior government officials, distinguished military officers, and a broad spectrum of serving and retired defense leaders.
In their separate remarks, the Nigerian Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and security on the continent.
They highlighted the importance of enhanced defence cooperation in addressing evolving security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity, cyber threats, and other emerging security challenges confronting the continent.
The AFRIDEX serves as a strategic platform for promoting defence cooperation, strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing, showcasing emerging security technologies, fostering military-industrial partnerships and advancing collaborative approaches to addressing contemporary security challenges across Africa.
The exhibition also promotes innovation, knowledge exchange, and investment in defence capabilities that contribute to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.
