PORT HARCOURT – The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and 16 Army Chiefs from Africa countries have toured the Nigerian Army’s Research and Development (R&D) Exhibition as part of the grand finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), reaffirming the growing importance of indigenous military technology in addressing contemporary security challenges.
The delegation, led by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited the exhibition at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where the Nigerian Army showcased a range of locally developed military technologies, operational equipment and force-support solutions designed to strengthen combat effectiveness and reduce dependence on foreign defence systems.
The exhibition, one of the major highlights of NADCEL 2026, reflected the Army’s commitment to promoting research, innovation and indigenous capacity development as critical components of its modernisation drive.
Military leaders, defence researchers, indigenous manufacturers and strategic partners used the platform to exchange ideas and explore collaborative approaches to developing technologies capable of supporting military operations against terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime and other emerging security threats.
Speaking during the event, Army authorities noted that investing in research and innovation remains essential to building a technologically advanced and mission-ready force capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security environment.
The exhibition also served as a forum for strengthening partnerships between the Nigerian Army and the local defence industry, with emphasis on expanding indigenous production of military equipment and enhancing self-reliance in defence technology.
The participation of Army Chiefs from 16 African countries underscored the continent’s growing commitment to defence cooperation, knowledge sharing and joint efforts to improve military capabilities in addressing common security challenges.
Held under the theme, “Protecting the People, Serving the Nation: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” the exhibition demonstrated how innovation is increasingly shaping the future of military operations and force readiness.
It showcased a variety of cutting-edge indigenous technologies and operational support systems developed to enhance battlefield effectiveness, improve logistics, strengthen intelligence capabilities and support troop welfare.
The event further reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s strategic focus on research, technological advancement and indigenous innovation as key drivers of operational excellence and sustainable defence capability.
The Research and Development Exhibition formed part of activities marking the grand finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration, which brought together senior military officers, defence stakeholders and international partners to celebrate the service’s achievements while promoting stronger regional defence collaboration and collective security across Africa.
