ECOWAS Pushes Bold Defence Drive to Strengthen West African Security
As West African countries confront persistent security threats, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is calling for stronger defence cooperation and greater investment in indigenous defence industries to improve the region’s capacity to protect its people.
The ECOWAS Commission made the call at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, which opened in Lagos on Monday and runs until 30 October, bringing together political leaders, military commanders, defence manufacturers, researchers and security experts from Africa and beyond.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, stressed the importance of regional collaboration in advancing peace, security and integration.
He described AFRIDEX as a timely demonstration of Nigeria’s longstanding leadership in promoting regional stability and cooperation.
Diop also expressed ECOWAS’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to regional peace, security and integration.
The exhibition provides a platform for defence policymakers, military institutions and industrial enterprises to engage on ways to strengthen Africa’s defence capabilities, including through the development of indigenous industries and closer cooperation among countries.
Greater local capacity to develop and produce defence equipment could help African countries reduce dependence on external suppliers while improving their ability to respond to security challenges.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of President Tinubu, who was represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
AFRIDEX, scheduled to run from 26 to 30 October, brings together stakeholders from across the defence and security sectors to explore opportunities for cooperation, technological development and industrial growth.
The ECOWAS Commission’s participation underscores the importance of collective action and home-grown capacity in building a more secure and resilient West Africa.
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