President Tinubu Signs Bill to Establish Small Arms Control Centre

President Bola Tinubu has signed a bill establishing the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

According to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, President Tinubu signed the Bill on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, adding that the development aims at curbing the proliferation of illegal arms.

Ribadu conveyed this news during a workshop focused on gender mainstreaming in preventing the spread of small arms and light weapons held in Abuja.

While speaking, Ribadu highlighted that the President’s assent to the bill strengthens the center’s mandate and enhances the government’s ability to implement coordinated and decisive measures against illegal arms.

He stressed the importance of integrating gender considerations into the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. He noted that the workshop was aligned with key international frameworks, such as United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which underscores the need to protect women from conflict’s effects and involve them in peacebuilding and security efforts.

The National Security adviser further referenced the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, which emphasizes regional responsibility in controlling the spread of these weapons. He argued that gender mainstreaming is crucial for creating effective and sustainable security strategies, as it ensures that efforts are inclusive and address the needs of all affected populations.

Also speaking at the event, Retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, National Coordinator of NCCSALW, applauded the center’s recent achievements. He reported that on July 1, the center seized a significant cache of illegal arms from the Nigeria Customs Service and arrested ten suspects linked to illegal importation activities. These individuals are currently facing prosecution for violating firearms laws, including possessing 544 prohibited firearms and 112,500 rounds of ammunition.

Kokumo further detailed the center’s efforts, stating that it had recovered 3,383 decommissioned and obsolete weapons, as well as 26,749 rounds of ammunition from various government agencies. He announced that an Arms Destruction Exercise would soon be conducted to ensure these recovered arms are permanently removed from circulation.

Emphasizing the global significance of controlling small arms proliferation, Kokumo also highlighted the severe consequences of the illegal arms trade, including violence and instability. He concluded by reaffirming the importance of incorporating gender perspectives into disarmament and security policies, noting that this workshop is a critical step toward integrating these considerations into national and regional strategies.