The IFSEC brand is recognised and respected throughout the global security industry due to the success of the world's largest annual security event IFSEC UK and its sister events IFSEC South Africa Securex and IFSEC India.

Simon Parker, of UBM Montgomery comments: "Rapidly becoming a major global player, Nigeria is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. IFSEC is a strong, well-known brand in West Africa and the largest trade delegation to attend this year's IFSEC UK were from Nigeria. The launch of IFSEC West Africa will provide suppliers of security products and services with a practical route into this highly profitable emerging market."

To correspond with the launch of IFSEC West Africa, the British Security Industry Association is undertaking a major research project into the security market of West Africa. The results of this research will be used to make certain that, as with all IFSEC events, the exhibition and educational content of IFSEC West Africa accurately addresses the needs of the region's security market and ensures that it sits firmly at the heart of this community.

Chris Pinder, the BSIA's Southern Regional General Manager and Export Manager, comments: "West Africa offers huge potential for suppliers looking to enter this market. Exhibiting at IFSEC West Africa will offer suppliers the opportunity to enter this market in a conducive and effective way."

IFSEC West Africa will address both commercial security and homeland security throughout its exhibition and educational content. The most populated country in Africa, Nigeria's population is expected to reach over 200m people by 2025 and its crime rates continue to increase at a rate of 1% per annum. As with any large African country where security concerns are paramount there is great scope for the provision of security products and services, including electronic security, CCTV, access control, physical security, vehicle and personnel tracking devices, armoured vehicles, scanners and manned guarding services. In total the West African security market is estimated to be worth in excess of £1bn.