AFRIDEX 2026: Nigeria Moves to Deepen Military Ties with US, Europe, African Nations
Nigeria has intensified its defence diplomacy efforts, with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, engaging military and diplomatic leaders from the United States, Europe, Africa and the Middle East to explore stronger security partnerships.
The engagements were held on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos as Nigeria seeks to expand international cooperation in military training, defence technology, equipment procurement and operational capabilities.
The foreign delegations received by Oluyede included representatives from Poland, Italy, Guinea-Bissau, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the United Arab Emirates and US AFRICOM.
A major engagement involved the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michał Cygan, who visited the CDS alongside defence industry executives to discuss potential partnerships in defence technology, equipment acquisition and capacity development.
Oluyede also held meetings with General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US AFRICOM; General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Defence Staff of the Italian Armed Forces; Lieutenant General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau; General Hulumende Fakudze, Commander of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force; and Brigadier General Mohammed Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi of the UAE.
The discussions addressed common security concerns and opportunities to improve military cooperation through professional education, technology transfer, specialised training and operational collaboration.
During the meeting with the US AFRICOM commander, both sides focused on maintaining and strengthening the existing strategic defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
Nigeria’s discussions with Italy explored opportunities for greater cooperation in military training, maritime security and specialised capabilities, including police training.
The engagement with Guinea-Bissau underscored Nigeria’s support for regional stability, respect for national sovereignty and improved defence capacity among African countries.
Meanwhile, the meetings with Eswatini and the UAE reflected Nigeria’s determination to expand strategic partnerships and encourage defence-industrial cooperation in response to evolving and cross-border security threats.
Speaking on the engagements, Oluyede stressed that sustained military dialogue and mutually beneficial international partnerships were vital to improving operational effectiveness.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration among armed forces in promoting regional and international peace and stability.
The engagements form part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen defence relations with international partners, improve its military capabilities and advance national security objectives.
Through these partnerships, the Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to defence diplomacy and collaborative approaches to achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria, Africa and the international community.
