President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called for stronger African defence partnerships, greater investment in indigenous military technology and improved regional security cooperation as African nations work towards a safer and more self-reliant continent.
Akpabio delivered the message on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the opening ceremony of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, held on Monday, 26 October, at Eko Atlantic in Lagos.
The exhibition, scheduled for 26–29 October, brings together government officials, military leaders, defence manufacturers, technology innovators and security experts to strengthen cooperation and explore practical solutions to Africa’s evolving security challenges.
Representing President Tinubu, the Senate President stressed that Africa must move beyond dependence on imported military equipment and invest in the knowledge, technology, industries and institutions required to sustain its own defence capabilities.
Tinubu Urges African Nations to Build Lasting Defence Capabilities
In the President’s address, delivered by Akpabio, Tinubu emphasised that successful defence partnerships must deliver benefits beyond the procurement and supply of military equipment.
He called for greater technology transfer, specialised training, local manufacturing and the development of African technical expertise.
According to the President, defence cooperation should strengthen the capacity of African countries to maintain their equipment, develop indigenous solutions and respond effectively to emerging security threats.
He maintained that the true measure of a successful partnership lies in the expertise, institutions and industrial capabilities it leaves behind.
The President also urged governments and industry stakeholders to ensure that AFRIDEX 2026 becomes a platform for practical cooperation, where military experience informs technological innovation and international partnerships strengthen national defence capabilities.
Addressing Africa’s Growing Security Challenges
The address highlighted the increasingly complex security challenges confronting African nations, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, maritime crime and cyber threats.
President Tinubu noted that insecurity continues to threaten lives, displace communities, disrupt economic activities and undermine development across the continent.
He called for stronger regional cooperation, sustained investment in security infrastructure and improved institutional capacity to address these interconnected threats.
Drawing attention to Nigeria’s experience, the President acknowledged the devastating human and economic consequences of insecurity and reaffirmed the importance of coordinated African responses.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen maritime security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, which remains critical to regional trade, energy security and economic prosperity.
Honouring the Sacrifices of Nigeria’s Armed Forces
The Senate President, while delivering the President’s message, paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel in confronting terrorism, insurgency and other threats to national security.
The address particularly acknowledged members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the defence of the country.
President Tinubu stressed that honouring their sacrifices must go beyond expressions of gratitude to ensuring that serving personnel receive adequate equipment, training, operational resources and institutional support.
He further called for predictable funding and stronger support for African-led peace operations, noting that personnel deployed to maintain peace must have the resources necessary to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Artificial Intelligence and Innovation in Africa’s Defence Future
The President also identified emerging technologies as critical to the future of African security.
He noted that artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space technologies and autonomous systems are transforming modern defence operations and creating new opportunities for innovation.
African countries, he said, must invest in research, technical education and institutions capable of developing and responsibly deploying these technologies.
He particularly emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for young Africans to contribute their skills and creativity to the continent’s defence and technological advancement.
By developing local expertise and strengthening partnerships between governments, research institutions and industry, Africa can build a more resilient and technologically capable security sector.
Building a Secure and Prosperous Africa
The address reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional security cooperation, indigenous defence development and partnerships that deliver measurable long-term benefits.
President Tinubu urged participating nations and organisations to translate the discussions and agreements reached at AFRIDEX 2026 into practical outcomes that strengthen military readiness, support innovation and improve security across the continent.
He maintained that Africa possesses the talent, resources and determination to assume greater responsibility for its security and future.
The President concluded by emphasising that lasting peace remains essential to economic growth, regional stability and the wellbeing of future generations.
The message delivered by Senate President Godswill Akpabio reinforced the need for African countries to turn defence partnerships into sustainable capabilities, protect their people and build a continent where peace creates opportunities for all.
