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UK, Nigeria Deepen Defence Ties At Inaugural AFRIDEX
UK, Nigeria Deepen Defence Ties At Inaugural AFRIDEX
The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security and defence cooperation with Nigeria at AFRIDEX in Lagos.
UK defence officials highlighted partnerships, skills development and sustainable military capabilities as priorities.
The exhibition brought together government, defence and industry leaders, linking security cooperation with trade and investment opportunities.
October 28, () – The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security and defence cooperation with Nigeria at the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos.
The UK’s participation in the exhibition, held in partnership with Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and British events company DMG Events, brought together senior officials, defence representatives and industry leaders to discuss shared security challenges and opportunities for cooperation.
Major General John Clarke, Commander of the Integrated Global Defence Network at the UK Ministry of Defence, led the British defence engagement, delivering the UK keynote address and participating in a panel discussion on defence partnerships.
Clarke said effective defence partnerships could strengthen national capabilities while supporting economic growth and prosperity.
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“Security and prosperity work together. Each depends on the other, and stronger defence partnerships can help deliver both,” he said, adding that the UK sought to build lasting relationships that develop skills, support innovation and strengthen capabilities.
The UK also hosted a reception alongside AFRIDEX, attended by senior Nigerian and British officials from the defence, diplomatic, trade and business sectors.
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Among those present were Major General Ibrahim Babatunde Alaya, Director-General of DICON; Lieutenant General Emmanuel Akomaye Undiandeye, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Intelligence; British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos Jonny Baxter; and His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, Alastair Long.
Long highlighted opportunities to connect British expertise and capabilities with businesses and partners across African markets.
Brigadier Thomas Harper, Head of British Defence Staff for West Africa and Defence Adviser to Nigeria, said AFRIDEX provided an African-led platform for partners to discuss priorities and identify practical areas of cooperation.
He said the UK-Nigeria partnership focused on strengthening institutions, developing sustainable capabilities and building relationships that deliver value for both countries.
The engagement reflects the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, a key pillar of the wider Strategic Partnership established in November 2024.
Beyond defence cooperation, the exhibition highlighted links between security, trade and investment, with UK representatives engaging African and international counterparts on opportunities for closer government and industry collaboration.
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