Lagos, firm partner on security equipment supply
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has strengthened efforts to enhance the country’s domestic security manufacturing capacity through a strategic engagement with Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has strengthened efforts to enhance the country’s domestic security manufacturing capacity through a strategic engagement with Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL Nigeria).
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Ayo Ogunsan, disclosed this during a working visit to EPAIL’s production facility along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Ogunsan, accompanied by the Director of Administration, Adegbola Lewis, held discussions with EPAIL Chairman/CEO, Kola Balogun, and Director of Engineering, AVM Olabisi (rtd), on possible collaboration for the procurement of security equipment for agencies in Lagos State.
He said the partnership was aimed at strengthening indigenous capacity, promoting Made-in-Nigeria security solutions, and reducing dependence on imported defence equipment.
According to him, prioritising local content would also conserve foreign exchange, create jobs, and enhance technical expertise within the country’s security sector.
Ogunsan described indigenous production as both economically viable and strategically important, noting that locally manufactured equipment offers faster delivery timelines and better adaptation to operational realities.
He expressed satisfaction with EPAIL’s production capabilities and commitment to quality in defence-grade equipment.
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In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPAIL, Kola Balogun, noted that the facility tour signals a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous security infrastructure.
He reaffirmed EPAIL’s commitment to delivering high-quality, locally manufactured protective security equipment tailored to meet the nation’s evolving safety demands, emphasising that deeper collaboration between public institutions and indigenous manufacturers would play a pivotal role in enhancing national security.
According to him, the partnership represents more than a routine engagement as it is a deliberate move to build local capacity, promote Made-in-Nigeria security solutions, and reduce the country’s reliance on imported defence equipment.
Balogun further urged government stakeholders to prioritise local content in procurement processes, noting that such a shift would conserve foreign exchange, stimulate job creation, and accelerate the development of technical expertise within Nigeria’s security sector.
The engagement underscores a growing recognition of the importance of homegrown innovation in addressing complex security challenges, while positioning local industries as key drivers of sustainable economic growth.
