The Lagos state government is doubling down on local solutions in a fresh push to secure its streets, and its economy.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has opened talks with Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL Nigeria), targeting a major shift toward domestically produced security equipment.
The move was disclosed by LSSTF Executive Secretary/CEO, Ayo Ogunsan, during a working visit to EPAIL’s production facility along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, according to a statement released Saturday in Abuja.
Ogunsan, alongside Director of Administration Adegbola Lewis, met with EPAIL Chairman/CEO Kola Balogun and Director of Engineering AVM Olabisi (rtd) to explore a supply partnership for security agencies across Lagos State.
At the heart of the discussions: cutting Nigeria’s dependence on imported defence equipment.
Ogunsan made the case clear; prioritising Made-in-Nigeria security solutions would not only boost indigenous capacity but also conserve foreign exchange, create jobs, and deepen technical expertise in the country’s security sector.
He described local production as both an economic win and a strategic necessity, pointing to faster delivery timelines and equipment better suited to on-ground realities.
He also signaled confidence in EPAIL’s capabilities, praising the company’s production standards and commitment to defence-grade quality.
Founded in 2014, EPAIL Nigeria has positioned itself as a pioneer in locally manufactured ballistic protection, producing bulletproof vests, helmets, and a broader suite of security solutions. Its operations extend into research and development, driving innovation in surveillance systems and protective technologies tailored for both public and private sector use.
The engagement highlights a growing alignment between security funding bodies and indigenous manufacturers, an alliance aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture while fueling industrial growth.
For EPAIL, the partnership signals more than business.
Welcoming the LSSTF delegation, Chairman/CEO Kola Balogun described the talks as a strategic leap toward reinforcing Nigeria’s indigenous security infrastructure.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, locally made protective equipment designed to meet evolving security demands.
Balogun stressed that stronger collaboration between government institutions and local manufacturers is critical to national security, framing the engagement as a deliberate move to build capacity, reduce import dependence, and advance Made-in-Nigeria solutions.
He also issued a clear call to action: government stakeholders must prioritise local content in procurement.
According to him, the payoff is immediate and far-reaching –foreign exchange savings, job creation, and accelerated technical development within Nigeria’s security ecosystem.
As security challenges grow more complex, the message from both sides is unmistakable: Nigeria’s best defence may increasingly be built at home.
