President Bola Tinubu has signed into law a new bill that establishes the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
The bill aims to address the proliferation of illegal arms across Nigeria and the West African region.
This development was announced by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, during a workshop on Gender Mainstreaming in Preventing the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria and the West African Sub-region, held in Abuja.
Ribadu stated that this new law is a crucial part of the government’s strategy to combat the illegal movement of arms, which fuels conflict and insecurity.
Ribadu, represented by Ibrahim Babani, Director of External Affairs at the Office of the NSA, noted that the law will strengthen the mandate of the National Centre, enabling it to take necessary actions to control the spread of small arms and light weapons.
He noted that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons reflects the collective responsibility of West African nations to curb the distribution of these dangerous weapons.
Ribadu also stressed that the proliferation of arms disproportionately affects women and children, especially in conflict zones, adding that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of people across the region.
The new law is expected to enhance Nigeria’s efforts in preventing illegal arms trafficking, promoting peace, and safeguarding communities.
