(Kola Balogun. Photo Credit: The Sun Nigeria)
A defence and security expert, Kola Balogun, has identified poor governance at the grassroots level as a major factor fuelling insecurity and insurgency across Nigeria.
Balogun, who is also the Secretary of the Defence Industrial Association of Nigeria (DIAN), said the limited presence of government in many local government areas has created conditions that allow criminality 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 stressed the need to strengthen local government administration as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.
According to him, effective grassroots governance can help reduce poverty, create economic opportunities, and restore public confidence in government institutions.
He called for continued efforts to improve local governance and encourage competent leadership at that level, describing strong local government institutions as essential to both national security and development.
Balogun also urged local governments to take a more active role in supporting community security initiatives, particularly by procuring locally produced protective equipment and other security-related tools, arguing that such steps would not only strengthen security but also boost local manufacturing and economic growth.
He further called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to build Nigeria’s defence capabilities, expressing confidence that with the right policies and support, the country could develop a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry capable of meeting its national security needs.
He argued that deliberate government policies and incentives are necessary to help indigenous defence manufacturers thrive, while urging public institutions to prioritise locally made products where available.
Highlighting the capacity of local manufacturers, Balogun said Nigeria has the ability to produce a wide range of defence equipment but continues to contend with the perception that foreign-made products are superior.
He noted that the Defence Industrial Association of Nigeria was established to unite indigenous manufacturers and develop practical solutions to meet the operational needs of the armed forces and other security agencies.
