The United Kingdom and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security and defence cooperation, with both countries using the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration.
The UK’s participation in the exhibition, held in Lagos, underscored efforts to advance the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, a key pillar of the broader strategic relationship between the two countries.
The exhibition brought together government officials, defence experts and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond to discuss shared security challenges, defence capabilities and opportunities for cooperation between governments and the private sector.
Major General John Clarke CBE, Commander of the Integrated Global Defence Network at the UK Ministry of Defence, led the British defence engagement at the event, delivering the UK keynote address and participating in a panel discussion on defence partnerships.
Clarke emphasised the importance of partnerships that address national priorities, strengthen institutions and develop sustainable defence capabilities.
“Security and prosperity work together. Each depends on the other, and stronger defence partnerships can help deliver both,” he said.
He added that the UK’s ambition was to build enduring relationships that strengthen capabilities, develop skills, support innovation and create conditions for shared prosperity.
As part of its participation, the UK also hosted a reception alongside AFRIDEX, bringing together senior Nigerian and British officials from the defence, diplomatic, trade and business sectors.
His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, Alastair Long, delivered the welcome remarks, highlighting opportunities to connect British expertise and capabilities with businesses and partners across African markets.
Those at the reception included the Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Ibrahim Babatunde Alaya; Nigeria’s 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 MBE; and Clarke.
Representatives of DMG Events and other industry stakeholders also attended the gathering.
Harper, who is Head of British Defence Staff for West Africa and Defence Adviser to Nigeria, described AFRIDEX as an important African-led platform for understanding partners’ priorities and identifying practical areas of cooperation.
“AFRIDEX has provided an important African-led platform to listen to partners, understand their priorities and identify practical areas for cooperation,” he said.
He added that the UK-Nigeria partnership was designed for the long term, with a focus on stronger institutions, sustainable capabilities and relationships that deliver tangible benefits to both countries.
British company DMG Events partnered with DICON to deliver the inaugural exhibition, reflecting the role of commercial collaboration in advancing defence engagement.
Throughout the event, UK representatives held engagements with African and international counterparts on common security challenges, defence capabilities and prospects for closer cooperation between governments and industry.
The participation also highlighted the broader scope of the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, linking defence and security cooperation with shared ambitions for economic growth, trade and investment.
The UK said its engagement at AFRIDEX demonstrated its commitment to working with Nigeria and other African partners to develop lasting relationships that support stronger defence institutions, enhanced capabilities and shared prosperity.
