The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for enhanced local production of arms and ammunition alongside stricter financial monitoring to address insecurity and disrupt criminal and terrorist financing across Nigeria.
Call for Domestic Manufacturing
Speaking at the Nigeria People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, Kalu urged stakeholders in the defence sector to reduce reliance on imported military hardware by investing in domestic manufacturing capabilities. He described local production as critical to national security, economic growth, and job creation.
According to the Deputy Speaker, Nigeria must build a self-sustaining defence ecosystem capable of meeting its security needs while reducing vulnerabilities associated with foreign dependence.
Strengthening Financial Oversight
Kalu also challenged financial institutions to strengthen due diligence processes and transaction monitoring systems to block illicit financial flows that sustain criminal networks and terrorist activities.
“Every sector represented in this room must leave with a specific, measurable role in Nigeria’s security architecture,” Kalu said. He stressed that the technology sector should provide platforms for intelligence sharing and community early-warning systems, while civil society organisations should continue bridging the gap between government and local communities.
Legislative Support for Security Reforms
The Deputy Speaker assured that the National Assembly would continue to provide the legal framework needed to support security reforms through constitutional amendments, budgetary allocations, and effective oversight.
Highlighting recent legislative efforts, Kalu referenced the House of Representatives’ overwhelming support for the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police, noting that lawmakers voted 289 to 2 in favour of the proposal.
“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.
Nigeria’s Resilience
Kalu further rejected narratives suggesting that Nigeria was a failing state, insisting that the country’s resilience demonstrates its determination to overcome its challenges.
“Nigeria is not failing. Nigeria is fighting. There is a difference. A failing country stops trying. Nigeria has never stopped trying,” he stated.
He argued that while Nigerians have consistently demonstrated resilience and courage, these qualities must be matched with sound policies and strong institutions capable of delivering lasting security and development.
The conference attracted participants from the defence industry, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and security agencies, all seeking collaborative solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
