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By Christopher Oji
The Lagos State Government is ramping up efforts to boost indigenous security manufacturing through a strategic partnership between the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) and Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Ayo Ogunsan, disclosed this during a visit to the company’s production facility along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, as part of moves to strengthen local capacity in security equipment production.
Ogunsan, accompanied by LSSTF’s Director of Administration, Adegbola Lewis, held discussions with EPAIL’s Chairman/CEO, Kola Balogun, and Director of Engineering, Olabisi, on potential collaboration for the supply of security equipment to agencies across Lagos State.
The proposed partnership is aimed at promoting Made-in-Nigeria solutions, reducing dependence on imported defence equipment, and strengthening the country’s security architecture. Ogunsan noted that prioritising local production would conserve foreign exchange, create jobs, and deepen technical expertise within the sector.
He described indigenous manufacturing as both economically viable and strategically important, adding that locally produced equipment offers faster delivery and better alignment with Nigeria’s operational realities. He also expressed satisfaction with EPAIL’s production standards and commitment to quality.
Established in 2014, Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited is a pioneer indigenous producer of ballistic protection equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets. The company also runs a research and development framework focused on advancing local security technologies for both public and private sector use.
In his remarks, Balogun described the engagement as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous security infrastructure, reaffirming EPAIL’s commitment to delivering high-quality, locally manufactured protective equipment.
He stressed that deeper collaboration between government institutions and local manufacturers is essential for enhancing national security, adding that prioritising local content in procurement would conserve foreign exchange, generate employment, and accelerate technical development.
The engagement reflects growing synergy between public institutions and indigenous manufacturers, positioning local innovation as a key driver of both national security and industrial growth.
