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| L-R: Kayode Adeleke, GCEO, Arridex Group; Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senate President; Dr Bello Matawalle, Honourable Minister of State for Defence; and Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State at the unveiling of the ADX-Barra 200 platform at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos. |
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled the ADX-Barra 200 autonomous surface vessel developed by Arridex Group at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
The President, who was represented at the October 26 event by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s defence industry through local innovation and production.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Akpabio said the administration considered domestic defence manufacturing important to national security, adding that the vessel demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian engineers to develop indigenous solutions in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
He said the technology deserved government support and the confidence of the armed forces.
Arridex Group Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Adeleke, described the ADX-Barra platforms as Nigeria’s first indigenously developed autonomous surface vessels. The company unveiled two platforms in the ADX-Barra Series at the exhibition, both designed, built and integrated in Nigeria by its engineers.
Adeleke said the platforms were developed with the maritime security needs of the Gulf of Guinea in mind, noting the importance of the waters to regional trade, coastal communities and energy resources.
He invited the armed forces and other interested stakeholders to arrange demonstrations of the vessels and contribute to the development of future versions.
According to him, developing the technology locally would enable Nigeria to build, maintain and improve its maritime security capabilities while reducing dependence on external support.
The unveiling attracted several government and defence sector officials, including Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle; and Director-General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya.
Also present were Helagon Chief Operating Officer, Engr Precious Omo-Agege, and members of Arridex Group’s senior management.
Autonomous surface vessels are designed to extend the operational reach of maritime defence and security teams while limiting the exposure of personnel to danger. Their domestic development and production can also support local maintenance, adaptation and upgrades throughout their service life.
Arridex Group said the ADX-Barra Series, developed in collaboration with Helagon, represents its contribution to building indigenous autonomous maritime capabilities.
