The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership through its participation in the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition, AFRIDEX, in Lagos.
As a flagship pillar of the wider UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, the Security and Defence Partnership is deepening cooperation on shared security challenges in Nigeria and across the region. The UK’s support for the inaugural AFRIDEX reflected this commitment, with British events company DMG Events partnering with Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to bring together government, defence and industry leaders from across Africa.
Major General John Clarke CBE, Commander of the Integrated Global Defence Network at the UK Ministry of Defence, led the UK’s defence engagement at AFRIDEX, delivering the UK keynote and participating in a panel discussion on defence partnerships. He highlighted the importance of partnerships that respond to national priorities, strengthen institutions and build capability that can be sustained over the long term.
Major General Clarke said:
“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.”
The UK also hosted a reception alongside AFRIDEX, bringing together senior UK and Nigerian representatives from government, defence, trade and industry. His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, Alastair Long, delivered welcome remarks, highlighting opportunities to connect UK capability and expertise with businesses and partners across African markets.
The reception brought together senior Nigerian and UK leaders across defence, diplomacy and trade, including DICON Director General Major General Ibrahim Babatunde Alaya and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Akomaye Undiandeye, alongside British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos Jonny Baxter, British Defence Adviser to Nigeria Brigadier Thomas Harper MBE, Major General John Clarke CBE and His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa Alastair Long. Senior representatives from DMG Events and industry also joined the reception.
The engagement reflected the breadth of the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, connecting security and defence cooperation with shared ambitions for growth, trade and investment.
Brigadier Thomas Harper MBE, Head British Defence Staff (West Africa) and Defence Adviser Nigeria, said:
“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.”
Throughout AFRIDEX, UK representatives engaged African and international counterparts on shared security challenges, defence capability and opportunities for closer cooperation between government and industry.
From British company DMG Events helping to deliver the exhibition to senior UK-Nigeria defence engagement, AFRIDEX demonstrated the Strategic Partnership in action, bringing together diplomacy, defence expertise, trade and British commercial capability to support greater security and shared prosperity.
GATMASH NEWS
…News That Drives Impact
For advert placements and business inquiries, kindly reach us via:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Tel/WhatsApp: +234 (0) 807 202 2024
We value your voice! Share your stories, eyewitness reports, and contributions with us anytime:
📲 SMS/WhatsApp: +234 (0) 807 202 2024
📧 Email: [email protected]
Visit us online: https://gatmash.com
