NPSC Honours Maj.-Gen. Ezugwu, Defence Leaders for Outstanding Service to Nigeria

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The organisers of the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 (NPSC) have honoured the former Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Maj.-General Victor Ezugwu (Retd), along with Minister of Defence and other notable individuals in Nigeria’s security and defence communities for their exceptional contributions to national security, defence development, and governance.

The awards were presented Saturday in Abuja during the conference, which attracted senior government officials, military commanders, lawmakers, security experts and private sector stakeholders from across the country.

Maj.-Gen. Ezugwu received special recognition for the Lifetime Achievement Award for National Service.

He is the first Nigerian to produce a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicle, the EZUGWU MRAP, which was named in his honour during the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (ret.).

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Retd), was presented with the Distinguished National Security Leadership Award for his role in strengthening Nigeria’s defence framework and advancing national security initiatives.

Similarly, the director general of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, received the Distinguished National Intelligence Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to intelligence operations, national security coordination, and the protection of Nigeria’s strategic interests.

The director-general of DICON, Maj. Gen. Babatunde Alaya, was honoured with the Defence Industrial Development Award for his role in driving indigenous defence manufacturing, innovation, and industrial expansion.

In the private sector category, the Chief Executive Officer of EPAIL Nigeria Limited, Engr Kola Balogun, received the Private Sector Security Innovation Award for his investments in security technology and his contributions to strategic national development.

Also honoured was Sen. Osita Izunaso, who received the Legislative Leadership for National Security Award in recognition of his efforts to support security-related legislation and governance reforms.

Speaking during the ceremony, the convener of the conference, Mr Charles Awuzie, said the awards were instituted to celebrate individuals and organisations whose leadership and dedication had significantly contributed to Nigeria’s security and development.

According to him, the recipients have distinguished themselves through innovation, public service, professionalism and a commitment to national peace and stability.

“These awards recognise men and women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment in advancing Nigeria’s security architecture and national development goals,” Awuzie said.

The conference, themed “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” provided a platform for discussions on security sector reforms, indigenous defence production, intelligence collaboration, and the role of public-private partnerships in addressing contemporary security challenges.

Participants at the event stressed the need for stronger cooperation between government institutions and private sector actors to build a more resilient and effective national security system capable of responding to emerging threats.

Awuzie Urges Collective Action on Nigeria Security

By Jamila Muhammad

Convener of the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026, Dr Charles Awuzie, has called for greater collaboration among government institutions, private sector players, technology innovators and citizens in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that national security is a collective responsibility.

Speaking at the opening of the conference in Abuja on Saturday, Awuzie described the gathering as more than a routine event, saying it was a national conversation aimed at shaping a safer and more secure future for Nigeria.

He said the conference was conceived as a platform where stakeholders from diverse sectors could exchange ideas and develop practical solutions for building a modern, coordinated and effective security architecture.

According to him, the initiative was born out of a need to encourage honest discussions about security innovation, intelligence support, local defence manufacturing, investment opportunities, community safety, and public-private partnerships.

“This is not just another conference. It is a patriotic conversation about the future of our country. We believe that no challenge confronting Nigeria is greater than our collective determination to overcome it,” he said.

Awuzie revealed that the journey toward organising the conference was not without hurdles; he noted that concerns and misconceptions initially surrounded the initiative. However, he said the organisers remained committed to their vision by engaging relevant stakeholders and respecting institutional processes.

He explained that what initially began as a discussion around private security eventually evolved into a broader national platform known as the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition, reflecting a commitment to inclusiveness and national engagement.

The convener announced that the conference would now become an annual event dedicated to strategic dialogue on security and national development.

Emphasising the impact of insecurity on all segments of society, Awuzie said security concerns affect farmers, traders, students, entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, religious leaders and investors alike, making it imperative for every Nigerian to be involved in finding solutions.

“Government institutions and security agencies cannot solely handle national security discussions. ” Every Nigerian has a role to play because security affects us all,” he stated.

He stressed that the conference was not designed to compete with government agencies or undermine existing institutions but rather to complement ongoing efforts by fostering collaboration and bridging gaps across sectors.

The conference, themed “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacities into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture”, seeks to explore ways of harnessing lawful and legitimate resources available within the private sector to strengthen national security.

Awuzie said the discussions during the event would focus on critical areas, including defence manufacturing, artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, intelligence gathering, security financing, policy reforms, local production capabilities, and citizen participation in security management.

He expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Retd.), for supporting the initiative in its early stages and believing in its vision despite initial scepticism.

The convener also thanked senators, security chiefs, sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their contributions toward making the conference a reality.

He urged participants to ensure that deliberations translate into practical outcomes capable of improving Nigeria’s security landscape.

“This conference must not end with speeches. It must generate actionable recommendations, strategic partnerships, and renewed confidence in our collective ability to build a safer nation,” he said.

Awuzie further acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to strengthening national security and national development.

He concluded by reminding Nigerians that safeguarding the country is a shared obligation that requires the commitment and participation of all citizens.

“The security of Nigeria is not the responsibility of one office, one institution or one individual. It is a shared responsibility that demands the involvement of every Nigerian,” he said.

The conference brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, members of the armed forces, security agencies, diplomats, defence industry experts, private sector leaders and civil society stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s security ecosystem.

Experts Urge Government to Deepen Private Sector Involvement in Security

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

  The Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 concluded with a strong call for greater private-sector participation in the nation’s security architecture, as stakeholders highlighted key achievements and proposed reforms aimed at strengthening national security.

Delivering the closing remarks, Co-Convener and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Elbroco International Security Company Ltd, Dr Abubakar Muhammed Sani, urged the Federal Government to review existing laws and policies to create more opportunities for private-sector involvement in security operations.

He emphasised that safeguarding the nation should not be left solely to government institutions, stressing that security is a shared responsibility that requires contributions from all sectors of society.

According to him, opening up the security space would enable more Nigerians to deploy their expertise, innovation, and resources toward addressing the country’s growing security challenges.

Dr Sani expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing the President as receptive to constructive ideas and stakeholder engagement. He appealed to the government to carefully consider recommendations generated during the conference as part of efforts to enhance national security and accelerate development.

The security expert also advocated stronger government support for indigenous defence manufacturers. He noted that patronising locally produced military equipment and technologies would not only boost domestic capacity but also create employment opportunities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Reflecting on the conference’s accomplishments, Dr Sani said one of its major successes was the establishment of a platform that brought together licensed private security companies, consultancy firms, government agencies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and collaborate on common security goals.

He further revealed that discussions at the conference strengthened support for the establishment of state police across the country. While acknowledging that he previously had reservations about the proposal, he said contributions from participants helped reshape his views on the issue.

According to him, potential challenges associated with state policing can be addressed through proper legal and institutional reforms, making it a viable option for improving security at the grassroots level.

Dr Sani also praised the capabilities of Nigerian-owned companies operating within the defence and security sector. He said the exhibition showcased impressive locally manufactured military hardware and security technologies, demonstrating that indigenous firms possess the expertise and capacity to contribute significantly to the country’s defence needs.

He described the exhibition as a testament to the growing potential of Nigeria’s defence industry and called for sustained support to help local companies compete effectively and meet national security demands.

The conference ended with renewed optimism among participants, who expressed hope that the recommendations and partnerships forged during the event would contribute to building a safer and more secure Nigeria.