Nigeria's Defence Minister Leads Delegation to SAHA Expo 2026

Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Minister of Defence, led Nigeria's delegation to the SAHA Expo 2026, a global defense and aerospace exhibition held in Istanbul, Türkiye, from May 5 to May 9, 2026.

The expo attracted 1,700 companies, including 263 international firms, and approximately 30,000 industry professionals from 120 countries. Dr.

Matawalle attended the official opening ceremony alongside special guest Mehmet Fatih Kacir, the Minister of Industry and Technology of Türkiye, and Yaşar Güler, the Minister of National Defence of Türkiye. The event was inaugurated by Haluk Bayraktar, the chairman of SAHA Expo 2026.

The Nigerian delegation visited various exhibit booths to explore potential defense partnerships, including engagements with Nigeria's indigenous defense industry corporation, DICON. A strategic meeting was held with Vugar Mustafayev, the Minister of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan, which included discussions with Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S.K.

Anek, focusing on advancing operational capabilities of Nigeria's armed forces and establishing reliable defense partnerships.