Poor grassroots governance fuels insecurity in Nigeria — Security expert

A defence and security expert, Kola Balogun, has identified poor governance at the grassroots level as a major factor fueling 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 flourish.

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 efforts to tackle insecurity.

According to him, effective governance at the grassroots can help reduce poverty, create economic opportunities and restore public confidence in government institutions.

“I believe we must continue to explore ways of improving local governance and encouraging competent leadership at the grassroots. Strong local government institutions are essential to national security and development,” Balogun said.

He also urged local governments to play a more active role in supporting community security initiatives by procuring locally produced protective equipment and other security-related tools.

“In addition, local governments can play a major role in supporting community security initiatives by procuring locally produced protective equipment and other security-related tools. Such actions would not only enhance security but also stimulate local manufacturing and economic growth,” he added.

Balogun called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector to build Nigeria’s defence capabilities, expressing confidence that the country could develop a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry with the right policies and support.

“If we truly believe in our own capacity, support indigenous manufacturers, and create the right policy environment, Nigeria can develop a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry capable of meeting our national security needs,” he said.

He further argued that deliberate government policies and incentives are needed to help indigenous defence manufacturers thrive, while urging public institutions to prioritise locally made products where available.

Highlighting the capabilities of local manufacturers, Balogun said Nigeria possesses the capacity to produce a wide range of defence equipment but continues to grapple with the perception that foreign 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.

Poor grassroots governance fuels insecurity in Nigeria — Security expert