Nigeria’s defence and financial sectors have been urged to play a more active role in strengthening national security through increased local arms production and tighter measures against criminal financing. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, made the call during the Nigeria People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 held in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” brought together stakeholders from government, security agencies, business organisations and civil society groups to discuss strategies for improving the country’s security framework.
Speaking at the event, Kalu stressed the need for Nigeria to reduce its dependence on imported military equipment by investing heavily in local arms production.
According to him, strengthening domestic defence manufacturing would not only improve national security but also create employment opportunities, stimulate innovation and reduce vulnerabilities associated with foreign dependence. He argued that Nigeria possesses the human and technical capacity needed to develop a sustainable defence industry capable of meeting the country’s security needs.
“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,” he said.
Beyond defence manufacturing, Kalu urged financial institutions to strengthen monitoring systems aimed at disrupting criminal and terrorist financing networks. He noted that organised crime and terrorism often thrive because of access to illicit funding channels and called for stricter due diligence processes across the banking and financial sectors. According to him, financial institutions must close loopholes that allow criminal organisations to move funds undetected.
“The financial sector must tighten the chokepoints through which criminal and terrorist financing flows,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker also highlighted the importance of technology in modern security operations. He called on technology firms to develop platforms that support intelligence gathering, information sharing and community-based early warning systems capable of detecting threats before they escalate. He further encouraged civil society organisations to continue serving as a bridge between government and local communities, saying public trust remains critical to achieving sustainable peace and security.
Kalu reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to supporting security reforms through legislation, constitutional amendments, budgetary approvals and oversight functions. He referenced the recent House vote in support of state police reforms, describing the overwhelming backing by lawmakers as a demonstration of national commitment rather than partisan politics.
“I am proud to serve in an assembly that just two days ago voted 289 to 2 in favour of a safer Nigeria. That near-unanimity was not partisan. It was patriotic,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the country’s security challenges, Kalu rejected suggestions that Nigeria was failing. He maintained that while the nation faces significant difficulties, its continued efforts to confront insecurity demonstrate resilience and determination. According to him, the sacrifices made by Nigerians must be matched with effective policies, stronger institutions and a security ecosystem capable of protecting lives and property.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together toward building a safer and more secure nation, describing Nigeria’s future as a collective project that requires commitment from both government and citizens. The focus on local arms production, improved intelligence sharing and stronger financial controls, he said, remains essential to achieving long-term security and national stability.
