Military hardware: Manufacturer seeks dedicated funding

The Chairman/CEO of EPAIL Nigeria, Kola Balogun, has called for dedicated government funding and stronger regulatory frameworks to accelerate Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing industry.

Balogun said sustainable development of the industry required deliberate government intervention, structured research funding and effective regulation of local manufacturers.
He made the call in an interview with Newsman on the just-concluded Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026.

He said Nigeria needed a strong regulatory institution to establish standards, monitor research activities and ensure accountability in the utilisation of funds allocated to defence manufacturi...