Abuja, June 14, 2026 – The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Equipment & Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL Nigeria), Chief Kola Balogun, has stressed the need for increased government backing for indigenous defence manufacturers, describing local production as a vital component of Nigeria’s security architecture and industrial advancement.
Balogun made the remarks while speaking at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja.
EPAIL, an indigenous defence and security company, manufactures a range of tactical equipment, including ballistic protection gear, armoured vehicles and surveillance technologies.
According to him, Nigeria must intentionally promote local defence manufacturing and effectively implement the Nigeria First policy to reduce reliance on foreign-made military equipment and enhance national self-sufficiency.
He maintained that indigenous firms possess the expertise and capacity to develop security solutions specifically designed for Nigeria’s operational realities.
Reflecting on challenges faced by local manufacturers, Balogun recalled that restrictive provisions in the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act had previously limited private sector participation in defence production.
He noted that years of engagement and advocacy eventually led to amendments to the law, which now provide greater opportunities for private companies following presidential assent to the revised legislation.
The EPAIL boss also argued that Nigeria must overcome the perception that imported solutions are inherently superior to locally produced alternatives.
He observed that equipment developed for different terrains and warfare conditions often performs poorly when deployed in Nigeria’s unique security environment.
Balogun emphasised the importance of developing homegrown technologies and systems that address the country’s specific security challenges rather than depending heavily on imported platforms designed for foreign operational conditions.
He further advocated for a private sector-driven defence industry, describing it as a critical driver of defence acquisition, innovation and capability development.
According to him, government policies should be deliberately structured to encourage the growth and sustainability of indigenous defence manufacturers.
Balogun stated that local companies are capable of producing a broad range of equipment required by the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He explained that this objective inspired the creation of the Defence Industrial Association of Nigeria (DIAN), an organisation that brings together indigenous manufacturers to support security agencies with practical and locally developed solutions.
The defence expert also urged public institutions to complement policy statements with concrete actions by patronising Nigerian-made products whenever they meet required standards.
While commending the Nigeria First initiative, he stressed that its success would depend largely on consistent implementation across government agencies.
Addressing the broader issue of insecurity, Balogun linked rising security challenges to weak governance structures at the grassroots level.
He argued that communities with limited government presence often become vulnerable to criminal activities and social instability.
Strengthening local government administration, he said, would help create economic opportunities, reduce poverty and strengthen public confidence in governance.
Balogun further encouraged local councils to support community-based security initiatives through the procurement of locally manufactured protective gear and other security equipment.
He noted that such measures would simultaneously improve security outcomes and stimulate domestic manufacturing.
The conference, themed “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” brought together stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector in addressing national security challenges.
He expressed optimism that with sustained investment, supportive policies and greater confidence in local expertise, Nigeria could establish a globally competitive defence industry capable of meeting its security requirements while contributing significantly to economic growth.