Kola Balogun, a specialist in defence and security, has pointed to ineffective local government as one of the main causes of insurgency and instability in Nigeria.
Criminality and instability have flourished due to the limited presence of the government in several local government areas, according to Balogun, who is also the Secretary of the Defence Industrial Association of Nigeria (DIAN).
On the sidelines of the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, he made the statements, stressing the need to confront insecurity by strengthening local government administration.
Restoring public faith in political institutions, reducing poverty, and creating economic possibilities are all possible through good grassroots governance, in his view.
We need to keep looking for ways to empower local leaders and enhance local governance, in my opinion. Balogun stated that the security and growth of the nation depend on strong local government institutions.
Additionally, he emphasised the need of local governments actively supporting community security programs through the purchase of protective gear and other security-related goods made in their own jurisdiction.
Furthermore, procurement of locally produced protective gear and other security-related goods can be a significant role for local governments in supporting community security activities. In addition to bolstering safety, these measures would encourage domestic production and boost the economy, he said.
Balogun expressed optimism that Nigeria could create an independent and internationally competitive defence industry with the correct policies and assistance, and he urged for closer cooperation between the public and commercial sectors to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
“Nigeria can develop a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry capable of meeting our national security needs,” he said, adding that the country could achieve this goal with the help of indigenous manufacturers, a belief in its own capacity, and the correct policy climate.
In addition, he urged public institutions to give preference to locally created items whenever possible and stated that intentional government policies and incentives are necessary to assist indigenous defence producers in thriving.
Balogun emphasised the talents of local producers, saying that Nigeria can make a variety of defensive equipment, but the country still has to deal with the idea that imported items are better.
He said that indigenous manufacturers in Nigeria came together to form the Defence Industrial Association of Nigeria (DIANA) so they could address the operational needs of the military and other security agencies with practical solutions.