Lagos —The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening security and defence cooperation with Nigeria at the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) held in Lagos.
AFRIDEX, organised by British events company DMG Events in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), brought together government, defence and industry leaders from across Africa to discuss shared security challenges and defence capability.
The UK delegation was led by Major General John Clarke CBE, Commander of the Integrated Global Defence Network at the UK Ministry of Defence, who delivered the UK keynote address and participated in a panel discussion on defence partnerships.
Clarke said the UK was focused on building enduring partnerships that respond to national priorities.
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“Security and prosperity work together. Each depends on the other, and stronger defence partnerships can help deliver both. Our ambition is to build enduring relationships that strengthen capability, develop skills, support innovation and create the conditions for shared prosperity,” he said.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, the UK hosted a reception for senior Nigerian and British representatives across defence, diplomacy and trade. Those in attendance included DICON Director General, Major General Ibrahim Babatunde Alaya; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Akomaye Undiandeye; His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, Alastair Long; British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter; and British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Thomas Harper MBE.
Speaking at the reception, Long highlighted opportunities to connect UK expertise with partners across African markets.
Also speaking, Brigadier Harper said AFRIDEX provided an important African-led platform for engagement.
“AFRIDEX has provided an important African-led platform to listen to partners, understand their priorities and identify practical areas for cooperation. The UK’s partnership with Nigeria is built for the long term, focused on stronger institutions, sustainable capability and relationships that deliver real value for both countries,” Harper said.
The UK said its participation in AFRIDEX is a flagship pillar of the wider UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, linking security and defence cooperation with shared ambitions for economic growth, trade and investment.
