NPSC to Become Annual Platform for National Security Dialogue, Awuzie Declares
By Matthew Eloyi
Convener of the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference (NPSC) and Defence Exhibition 2026, Dr. Charles Awuzie, on Saturday declared that the conference would become an annual national platform for dialogue on security, innovation and strategic development, stressing that Nigeria’s security challenges require the collective efforts of government, the private sector and citizens.
Speaking at the opening of the conference in Abuja, Awuzie described the gathering as “a patriotic conversation about the future of Nigeria,” saying the country must never “surrender its destiny to fear.”
He said the event was conceived to create a platform where Nigerians could openly discuss security, defence capacity, investment, local manufacturing, intelligence support, community safety and public-private collaboration.
“We gather because we believe that insecurity is not stronger than our collective will. We believe that when government, industry, communities, technology innovators, defence institutions, investors and citizens come together, Nigeria can build a security ecosystem that is coordinated, lawful and effective,” he said.
Awuzie disclosed that the initiative faced significant opposition, including attempts to stop the conference, leading to a change in both its name and scope.
According to him, what was initially planned as the National Private Security Conference evolved into the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition after consultations with regulators and key stakeholders.
“There were concerns and misunderstandings, and our intentions were judged. There was a huge fight to get this cancelled, but we listened because responsible leadership is not stubbornness. It is the ability to pursue a noble vision while respecting institutions, laws and protocols,” he said.
He announced that the conference would now become an annual event designed to provide a platform for dialogue rather than confrontation.
“We’ve seen protests and people on the streets, but we want to bring them into the room because every nation evolves through dialogue and not war,” he added.
The convener stressed that national security should not be viewed as the exclusive responsibility of political leaders or security agencies, noting that insecurity affects all segments of society, from farmers and traders to students, entrepreneurs, traditional rulers and investors.
“This conversation must not be narrow and must not be left to political leaders alone. It must involve all Nigerians,” he said.
Awuzie emphasised that the NPSC was not intended to replace any government institution or usurp the mandate of any ministry, agency or regulatory body.
“We are here to amplify national efforts, build bridges and encourage responsible collaboration. The question we seek to answer is: How can Nigeria mobilise every lawful capacity available to make our country safer?” he stated.
He explained that the theme of the conference, “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” was designed to promote collaboration while recognising government’s constitutional role as the custodian of national security.
The conference, he said, would examine issues including defence manufacturing, artificial intelligence and surveillance, intelligence gathering, legislation and policy reforms, local production, private sector funding and citizen participation in the national security framework.
Awuzie commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), for supporting the initiative from its early stages and also acknowledged the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his encouragement.
He also expressed appreciation to senators, security leaders, exhibitors, sponsors and partners for backing the conference, with special recognition for EPAIL, which he described as the event’s biggest sponsor.
Calling for practical outcomes, Awuzie urged participants to ensure that the conference produced actionable recommendations and strategic partnerships.
“This conference must not end with speeches. It must produce ideas, recommendations, partnerships and confidence. It must remind Nigerians that we still have the capacity to think together, build together and protect one another,” he said.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security personnel engaged in the fight against insecurity across the country.
In his keynote address, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture through stronger collaboration between government, the private sector and citizens, declaring that the country’s security challenges cannot be overcome by the armed forces alone.
According to the Defence Minister, security has become a collective national responsibility because modern threats are largely driven by non-state actors who rely on local support networks.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, called for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system and stronger collaboration between government and the private sector as part of a comprehensive strategy to address the country’s security challenges.
He disclosed that the House of Representatives had on Thursday passed the Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police, a landmark legislation he sponsored, describing it as a historic step toward improving security across the country.
On his part, the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Izunaso, said the Senate would pass the proposed state police bill within the next two weeks, describing it as a critical step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, while the Senate is fine-tuning the legislation to close any identified gaps before its final passage.