A defence and security expert, Kola Balogun, has identified poor governance at the grassroots level as a major factor driving insecurity and insurgency across Nigeria.
Balogun, who also serves as Secretary of the Defence Industrial Association of Nigeria, DIAN, said the limited presence of government in many local government areas has created conditions that enable criminal activities and instability to thrive.
He made the remarks on the sidelines of the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, where he emphasized the need to strengthen local government administration as part of broader efforts to address insecurity.
According to him, effective governance at the grassroots level can help reduce poverty, create economic opportunities, and restore public confidence in government institutions.
“I believe we must continue to explore ways of improving local governance and encouraging competent leadership at the grassroots. Strong local government institutions are essential to national security and development,” Balogun said.
He also urged local governments to take a more active role in supporting community security initiatives by procuring locally produced protective equipment and other security related tools.
“In addition, local governments can play a major role in supporting community security initiatives by procuring locally produced protective equipment and other security-related tools. Such actions would not only enhance security but also stimulate local manufacturing and economic growth,” he added.
Balogun called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities, expressing confidence that the country can build a self reliant and globally competitive defence industry with the right policies and support.
“If we truly believe in our own capacity, support indigenous manufacturers, and create the right policy environment, Nigeria can develop a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry capable of meeting our national security needs,” he said.
He further stressed that deliberate government policies and incentives are needed to help indigenous defence manufacturers grow, while urging public institutions to prioritize locally made products where available.
Highlighting the capacity of local manufacturers, Balogun noted that Nigeria possesses the ability to produce a wide range of defence equipment but continues to struggle with the perception that foreign products are superior.
He added that the Defence Industrial Association of Nigeria was established to unite indigenous manufacturers and develop practical solutions capable of meeting the operational needs of the armed forces and other security agencies.
