By Esther Onyegbula

In a move to boost local capacity and reduce reliance on imported security equipment, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, has initiated plans to procure security hardware from indigenous defence technology firm, Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited, EPAIL Nigeria.
The development followed a high-level engagement between LSSTF and the company at its production facility along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, signalling a strategic shift toward strengthening Nigeria’s domestic security manufacturing ecosystem.

Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, led the delegation, alongside the Fund’s Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis. They were received by Chairman/CEO of EPAIL Nigeria, Engr. Kola Balogun, and Director of Engineering, AVM Olabisi (retd).

Discussions at the meeting focused on potential collaboration and the procurement of high-grade security equipment to support operatives of various security agencies across Lagos State.

The proposed procurement plan underscores a deliberate policy direction by LSSTF to promote local content development, align with the Federal Government’s Made-in-Nigeria initiative, and drive import substitution within the security value chain.

Speaking during the visit, Ogunsan stressed the importance of leveraging indigenous expertise, describing it as both economically beneficial and strategically critical.
According to him, “Indigenous production enables faster delivery timelines, allows for customization to suit local operational realities, and ensures long-term sustainability of security investments. We are glad to be able to source top-grade security hardware from within the country.”
Findings show that EPAIL Nigeria, established in 2014, has emerged as a key player in Nigeria’s defence manufacturing space, with specialised capabilities in the production of ballistic equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets.

The company also operates a research and development framework focused on advancing local security technologies and has provided risk assessment and infrastructure protection services across the 36 states of the federation.

Its portfolio covers a wide range of security solutions, from personal protective gear to surveillance systems, catering to both public and private sector clients.

Industry stakeholders say the collaboration between LSSTF and EPAIL Nigeria reflects a growing alignment between security enhancement and economic development, with local manufacturing increasingly positioned as a driver of national resilience, job creation, and industrial growth.