This year from the 16th – 17th of April, the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria hosted the ninth edition of Securex West Africa. Over two bustling days of business, more than 2,300 professionals from across the Security, Fire and Safety industry crossed the threshold to witness key technology advancements, market trends and do business.
Among the dignitaries to open the exhibition and conference this year was ACP Gbolahan Odugbemi, Assistant Commissioner of Police for Lagos State representing the Commissioner of Police, Major General J.I Unuigbe, Representing the Chief of Army Staff for the Nigerian Army and John Bray, Consulate General for the US Government in Nigeria.
Each esteemed keynote speaker addressed the vital importance of sharing information and cutting-edge technology within the Security, Fire and Safety industry to further progress opportunities in the region, especially in transformative times globally. They praised Securex West Africa 2019 as an excellent opportunity to achieve these goals and bring together the West African security industry.
Solutions from various sectors on display
With over 761sqm of technology, equipment and services on display from more than 100 leading brands, attendees at this year’s Securex West Africa were privy to cutting-edge solutions across varying subsectors within commercial, cyber, perimeter and homeland security in addition to fire and safety. A truly international exhibition, this year the show attracted industry professionals from 21 countries including Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. An overall increase in visitor numbers of 56% since 2016 demonstrates that Securex West Africa is growing from strength to strength.
Attendees at Securex West Africa were privy to solutions across varying subsectors within commercial, cyber, perimeter and homeland security
George Pearson, Regional Director at Afrocet Montgomery, the organisers behind Securex West Africa had this to say on this year’s edition: “In reality, we’re all living in relatively uncertain times from a security perspective, whether we’re discussing political turbulence, cyber-attacks or terror threats, our exhibition growth year on year, both in visitor figures and show size is indicative of why shows like Securex are so important to progress our understanding of how to protect against and prevent security and safety breaches.”
One of the best events in West Africa
28% of visitors in 2019 were dedicated to Commercial Security, whilst 33% to Information SecurityThis year, visitors came in their thousands to the exhibition from varying sectors, the top five of which were Systems Installers, Information Telecommunications, Engineering, Safety & Security Consultancies and Oil and Gas. 28% of visitors in 2019 were dedicated to Commercial Security, whilst 33% to Information Security, which reflects the rapid growth taking place in the cyber market. A further 14% were dedicated to Fire & Safety, 11% to Homeland Security and 13% to Perimeter Security.
Mr Adewale Muriziq Salisu, a Security and Safety Consultant from Fourthman Security Services gave the following testimonial about this year’s event: “Securex West Africa is one of the best security conferences and exhibitions in West Africa if not the best. It involves all aspects of security, safety, cyber and fire protection which all organisations and individuals can use. Securex brings the best in security and safety exhibition and conference and if you miss it, you miss a lot.”
Alongside the exhibition each year, organisers put together a compelling selection of daily Conference sessions for both exhibitors and visitors alike to attend. Hosted by esteemed industry experts, these carefully put together sessions are designed to inspire and inform industry members. This year, 70% of visitors attended at least one of these sessions.
21st century security solutions
On the first day, the most popular session was a Panel Discussion centred around ‘21st Century Security Strategies and Solutions’ and included representatives from SBM Intelligence, Suncast Security, Airtel Networks, Beacon Consulting and Academy Halogen in addition to the Former Police Chief in Nigeria and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on overseas affairs and investments.
The most popular session was a Panel Discussion centred around ‘21st Century Security Strategies and Solutions’
Meanwhile, Day 2 of the Securex Conference shifted its focus onto Fire and Safety technical sessions. Delegates at these sessions had the opportunity to hear from expert representatives from key fire and safety brands including Bristol Fire Engineering, Mobiak S.A., Surveillant Fire, Afrisec, Afritech Solutions and Hancock Security Nigeria. Topics discussed included the importance in choice of firefighting equipment, product showcases, tall building fire and safety management, safe cities and OEM demonstrations.
The second day of Securex West Africa also gave way to the co-located cyber-focussed security conference: WACSS (West African Cyber Security Conference). An invitation-only event organised in conjunction with KPMG and sponsored by the Nigerian Communications Commission, this year WACSS welcomed 129 esteemed cybersecurity delegates. Now in its third edition, WACSS has grown to be recognised in the region as the leading high-level cyber-focussed security conference and attracts a great deal of senior industry stakeholders.
Achieving business objectives
In a post-show survey for Securex West Africa, 98% of visitors achieved all or most of their business objectives in attending the eventFor the second year running, Securex West Africa hosted the OSPAs (Outstanding Security Performance Awards 2019). This year, the event took on a new format in the shape of a Gala evening of dinner, drinks, award-giving and valuable networking amongst the finest performing business and professionals in the Nigerian Security industry.
In a post-show survey for Securex West Africa, 98% of visitors achieved all or most of their business objectives in attending Securex West Africa. Furthermore 84% of those visitors had purchasing power within their business, contributing to a collective visitor spending budget for security, fire and safety solutions totalling more than US$ 150 million.
These results, coupled with overall exceptional feedback from exhibitors, further emphasises the quantity and quality of business opportunities available to both local and international businesses in West Africa.
Exhibitors say on the event
Speaking to a couple of exhibitors who took part this year, here’s what they had to say on Securex West Africa 2019:
“It’s been really good; with the sales we’ve made we can justify the business case to be here next year! Looking at everything, I’ve made personal connections with my competitors and the brand awareness has been great for us.” Bukky Bademosi, Business Development Manager, Pilgrims Africa Ltd.
“For my region, it is the most important show. We want to present our manufacturers with a platform where they can come and see that Nigeria is a place where we can make money. We’ve had many good leads and we’ll be here next year!” Edward Van Trotsenburg, Managing Director, AFRISEC.
