The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has honoured Engr. Dr. Kola Balogun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPAIL Nigeria Ltd., for his contributions to local defence manufacturing and Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in military hardware production.
Balogun received the Award of Recognition at the DECAN Conference on National Security and Awards 2026, held on Monday, Oct. 12, at the Army Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.
The award recognised his leadership in developing local capacity for the manufacture of defence equipment, meeting domestic demand and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported military hardware.
According to the award citation, his contributions have also supported employment generation, conserved valuable foreign exchange and advanced efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous defence industrial base.
The recognition underscores the growing importance of local manufacturing in Nigeria’s efforts to build sustainable defence capabilities and reduce vulnerabilities associated with dependence on foreign suppliers.
Developing indigenous capacity to manufacture military equipment is considered essential to improving access to critical hardware, supporting maintenance requirements and strengthening the country’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
Local production also offers opportunities for technology transfer, skills development and the creation of jobs for engineers, technicians and other professionals within the defence manufacturing value chain.
The award further recognised Balogun’s contribution to positioning locally manufactured defence products for wider markets across Africa, potentially expanding opportunities for Nigerian manufacturers within the continent’s defence industry.
The recognition aligns with broader efforts to strengthen domestic industrial capacity, promote innovation and deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors in support of national security.
DECAN’s recognition of Balogun highlights the role of indigenous manufacturers and private-sector investment in complementing the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The DECAN Conference brought together stakeholders in the defence and security sector to discuss national security challenges and recognise individuals and institutions contributing to Nigeria’s security and defence development.
