Kalu urges Nigeria to boost local arms production for security
Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has called for Nigeria to strengthen its local arms manufacturing to address ongoing security challenges. Speaking at a major security conference, Kalu emphasized the need for a coordinated national response involving multiple sectors. He highlighted the risks of relying on imported weapons and urged financial institutions to combat illicit flows that fund crime. Kalu also pointed to recent legislative efforts to improve Nigeria’s security architecture.
Key takeaways
- Benjamin Kalu advocated for developing local arms production to reduce reliance on imports and enhance national security.
- He urged financial institutions to tighten controls against money laundering and terrorism financing that support criminal networks.
- At the Nigeria People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, Kalu called for collaboration among government, private sector, technology, civil society, and financial industries.
- Kalu noted the House of Representatives’ recent vote supporting State Police constitutional amendment as a step towards decentralising policing.
- He rejected claims that Nigeria is failing, stressing the country’s resilience and the need for structural reforms to match citizens’ sacrifices.
