Nigeria’s defence industry has made a remarkable presence at the World Defence Show 2024, a global event that showcases the latest innovations and technologies in the defence sector. The show, which is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February 4 to 8, 2024, has attracted over 1,000 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors from around the world.
Among the exhibitors are two Nigerian defence companies: Proforce Defence and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). Both companies have displayed their products and capabilities in the fields of land, naval, and air security, as well as engaged in networking and business opportunities with potential partners and clients.
Proforce Defence, Nigeria’s leading indigenous defence company, has showcased its range of products, including drones and armoured vehicles. The company has posted on its social media channels that “Proforce will be showcasing cutting-edge solutions in Land, Naval and Air security at the World Defence Show in Riyadh from February 4-7. Visit our booth, Hall 1 south-G3.3 to learn more about how we’re advancing security solutions around the world.”
Some of the products that Proforce has exhibited are the Ara 2 MRAP, a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle that can withstand blasts and ballistic threats; the PF-2 Armoured Personnel Carrier, a versatile and modular vehicle that can transport troops and equipment in various terrains; and some of its drones, such as a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle that can perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions.
DICON, the state-owned defence company that manufactures small arms, bullet proof vests, light weapons, and the Ezugwu MRAP, has also visited the World Defence Show, but it is not certain if they have exhibited their products. DICON is responsible for producing and supplying weapons and ammunition to the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The Nigerian government delegation to the World Defence Show comprises the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Director-General of DICON, Major-General Effiong Edet, and other critical stakeholders of the Nigerian Armed Forces and exhibitors from the shores of Nigeria.
A statement by the Ministry of Defence said, “While going round the exhibition stands, the Minister pointed out that the aim of the global exhibition was for participating countries’ Ministries of Defence to meet and share information and ideas on the latest defence systems.”
He said “major international defence companies like DICON and PROFORCE from Nigeria and others around the world are participating in the exhibition in addition to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence.”
Speaking further, the Minister said: “The Exhibition is designed to deliver key platforms across all five defence domains: land, sea, air, space (satellites), and security.”
The World Defence Show 2024 is a platform for showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in the defence sector, as well as fostering collaboration and cooperation among the defence industry stakeholders. The show also features live demonstrations, conferences, workshops, and networking events. The show is expected to end on February 8, 2024.