By Augustine Ehikioya
Towards getting more knowledge and equipment to overcome insecurity, the Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Major General, Chris Gwabin Musa, has led a strong Nigerian delegation to Turkey.
The delegation is to attend and participate at the 16th International Defence Industry Fair, holding in Istanbul at Tuyap Fair Convention and Congress Center between 25th and 28th of July, 2023.
Security Watch Africa (SWA) gathered that the Nigerian delegation will take opportunity of the fair to look at what Nigeria can get to contain insecurity more effectively.
A reliable source said “16 IDEF International Defence Industry Fair has been organized successfully by Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TAFF) since 1993 biennially.
“Starting with the purpose of promoting national defence industry to the world, IDEF became an important international promotion, marketing and cooperation platform of defence, security, naval, aviation and aerospace industry and now ranked as the fourth biggest defence industry fair of the world regarding the numbers of exhibitors participating at the fair.
“IDEF 2023 16th International Defence Industry Fair, which was planned between 09-12 May, 2023, will be held on 25-28 July 2023. All events and activities will be carried out as planned at the IDEF 2023 Fair, which will celebrate its 30th Anniversary.”
He said that the IDEF 2023 16th International fair offers a significant opportunity for exhibiting high-tech products and developing cooperation between the national and international exhibitors.
According to him, approximately 1,300 domestic and foreign companies which are directly or indirectly operating in defence, security, marine, aviation and aerospace industries are expected to participate in the fair, under the management and responsibility of Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, and organized by TÜYAP Fairs and Exhibitions Organization Inc.
He added “More than 600 official delegations including Ministries of Defence and high level military and civilian procurement officials from friendly and allied countries will be officially invited by the high levels of Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Interior and Defence Industry Agency.
“The meetings between the participating companies and delegations and booth visits will be planned.
“Meeting offices will be opened by the procurement authorities of Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Interior and Defence Industry Agency and there will be meetings with the participating companies and delegations.
“Navy components from Turkish Naval Forces Command and Coast Guard Command will participate at IDEF 2023 at Büyükçekmece Bay.
“On the 4th day of the fair, there will be Career Day in order to provide contact between the Human Resources/Education Academies personnel of the companies and university students, graduates and qualified labor force who are currently working in the defence industry sector or retired. Also, there will be seminars and meetings with the participating companies and delegations,” he stated.