Army showcases indigenous defence technology as African military chiefs inspect R&D exhibition
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Monday led the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), and 16 African Chiefs of Army on a tour of the Nigerian Army’s Research and Development Exhibition.
A statement posted on the army’s X page on Tuesday revealed that the exhibition was held during the grand finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The exhibition, one of the major highlights of the 2026 NADCEL, featured locally developed military technologies, research-driven innovations and operational support equipment designed to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s combat effectiveness and promote self-reliance in defence production.
The Army said the exhibition reflected its commitment to deploying research, innovation and technology to tackle evolving security threats while reducing dependence on foreign military hardware.
Military leaders, defence researchers, indigenous manufacturers and strategic partners also used the event to explore opportunities for collaboration in developing home-grown solutions to challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime and other emerging security threats across Africa.
The presence of army chiefs from 16 African countries, according to the Nigerian Army, underscored the growing commitment among African militaries to strengthen defence cooperation, share knowledge and improve regional security through joint initiatives.
The exhibition formed part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration, themed, “Protecting the People, Serving the Nation: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
The Army noted that the event reaffirmed its focus on indigenous research, technological advancement and strategic partnerships as critical pillars for building a modern, mission-ready force capable of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and contributing to peace and stability across the African continent.
