By Oluwakemi Kindness
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for increased local production of arms and military equipment, saying Nigeria must reduce its dependence on foreign imports to effectively address growing security challenges.
A statement on Sunday by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to
Kalu, says he also urges the financial sector to strengthen measures against illicit financial flows, warning that criminal and terrorist groups continue to exploit weaknesses in the system to fund their activities.
Speaking on Saturday at the Nigeria People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, the Deputy Speaker said building a modern security ecosystem requires stronger collaboration between the defence industry, financial institutions, technology firms, civil society and government institutions.
He said Nigeria must develop a homegrown defence ecosystem capable of producing military hardware locally, creating jobs and reducing vulnerabilities associated with reliance on foreign suppliers.
“Every sector represented in this room must leave with a specific, measurable role in Nigeria’s security architecture. The defence industry must deepen local capacity so that we do not import what we can produce,” Kalu said.
He added that the financial sector must tighten transaction monitoring and due diligence processes to block channels used by criminals and terrorist groups to move funds.
According to him, the technology sector should provide platforms for intelligence sharing and community early-warning systems, while civil society organisations should continue bridging gaps between communities and government to support sustainable peace.
The Deputy Speaker said the National Assembly would continue to provide legislative support through constitutional amendments, appropriations and oversight to strengthen the country’s security framework.
Kalu also referenced the recent passage of the State Police constitutional amendment by the House of Representatives, noting that lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in support of measures aimed at improving security across the country.
Dismissing concerns that Nigeria was failing, he said the country remained resilient despite its challenges.
“Nigeria is not failing. Nigeria is fighting. There is a difference. A failing country stops trying. Nigeria has never stopped trying,” he said.
The conference attracted participants from the defence industry, financial institutions, civil society organisations and security agencies to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture
