The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has called for stronger regional defence cooperation through the development of indigenous defence industries to address security challenges and promote peace across West Africa.
The commission made the call at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, held from October 26 to 30 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The exhibition brought together political leaders, defence policymakers, military commanders, defence industry stakeholders, researchers and security experts from across Africa and beyond to discuss strategies for strengthening defence capabilities and regional security.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to regional peace, security and integration.
Diop described AFRIDEX as a timely demonstration of Nigeria’s longstanding leadership in promoting peace, security and regional integration across West Africa.
He expressed the commission’s appreciation to Tinubu for his continued commitment to advancing the ECOWAS regional agenda.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of President Tinubu, who was represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The exhibition provides a platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration in the defence sector, particularly through indigenous industrial development and stronger partnerships among African countries.
ECOWAS maintained that enhanced defence cooperation and the development of local defence industries are important to strengthening the region’s capacity to respond to evolving security threats.
