Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for increased local production of arms and stronger measures to curb criminal and terrorist financing as part of efforts to address insecurity in the country.
Kalu made the call on Saturday at the Nigeria People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” the Deputy Speaker said Nigeria must reduce its dependence on imported weapons by developing a homegrown defence industry capable of meeting the country’s security needs.
He said strengthening local capacity in arms production would not only improve national security but also create jobs and reduce vulnerabilities associated with reliance on foreign suppliers.
Kalu also urged financial institutions to strengthen transaction monitoring and due diligence mechanisms to block illicit financial flows used to fund criminal and terrorist activities.
He stressed that addressing insecurity requires collaboration across sectors, with the technology industry supporting intelligence sharing, civil society strengthening community engagement, and the legislature providing the necessary legal framework through constitutional review, appropriation and oversight.
The Deputy Speaker referenced the House of Representatives’ recent approval of the State Police constitutional amendment proposal, describing the overwhelming support for the measure as a demonstration of lawmakers’ commitment to improving security across the country.
Kalu dismissed claims that Nigeria is failing, insisting that the country remains resilient despite its security challenges.
“Nigeria is not failing. Nigeria is fighting. There is a difference. A failing country stops trying. Nigeria has never stopped trying,” he said.
He added that the country must continue building institutions capable of protecting lives and property while strengthening its overall security architecture.
The conference attracted participants from the defence industry, financial institutions, civil society organisations and security agencies.
