A Call for The Establishment of a National Commission against the Proliferation of SALW

 




I dedicate this milestone achievement to God my Maker and to every youth out there especially those seeking for employment or Empowerment. 

I would like to use this opportunity to advocate for a critical initiative that concerns the safety and security of our dear nation Nigeria: the establishment of a national commission on arms to checkmate the illegal proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria and at all levels of community or governance. 

The unchecked spread of small arms and light weapons poses a grave threat to our society, leading to increased crime rates, violence, and instability in communities across our nation. We have witnessed the devastating effects of these weapons in the wrong hands, tearing apart families, undermining peace efforts, and hindering socio-economic development.

For easy transition, God has blessed us already with a donor civil security and Intelligence agency called National Commission against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons commonly known as NATCOM dedicated to addressing this issue of arms proliferation in Nigeria. I am equally aware that NATCOM Bill was passed at the 9th Assembly and is currently undergoing review and harmonization process both at the national assembly and at the presidency.

The establishment of a government owned National Commission on SALW would play a pivotal role in coordinating efforts across law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and international partners. By implementing stricter regulations, enhancing border security, and improving tracking mechanisms, we can stem the flow of these weapons into our communities.

Moreover, such a commission would facilitate comprehensive research and data collection, enabling evidence-based policy decisions and targeted interventions. It would also promote public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of illicit arms possession and encourage responsible firearm ownership just like NATCOM did during the just concluded NATCOM orientation/awareness training where over 10,000 NATCOM Staff participated with FCT alone having over 3,000 participants in attendance. 

It's a thing of joy to know that Nigeria already has a donor civil agency working under ECOWAS mandate on SALW 2006 Convention and promising an employment opportunity of 6,000 personnel per each state of the Federation in addition to over 250,000 staff already employed across the federation.  It's high time our leaders especially the President Commander In-Chief, H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu look into this NATCOM Bill and issue out an Executive Order for the transition of NATCOM from donor commission into a full government owned establishment. 

You will agree with me that any civil security outfit that has well over 250,000 personnel should be encouraged and not discarded as the livelihood of these youthful employees are dependent on the success of the commission. The transition I am aware it's coming at zero cost to the government so why not embrace and harmonize all relevant and 'conflicting' agencies in the fight against arms proliferation.  

Fellow citizens, safeguarding our nation from the threats posed by illegal small arms and light weapons requires a concerted and strategic approach. Let us unite in calling upon our government to prioritize the establishment of a national commission dedicated to this crucial task. Together, we can ensure a safer and more secure future for generations to come.

Development does not strive in a security threatened environment. 

As an expert I do not see any amount of security apparatus or measures that will be 'too' much for a complex and populous nation as Nigeria. All hands must be on desk and the best way to curb insecurity in Nigeria is to increase the capacity of our defence intelligence through the establishment of a national commission in tandem with ECOWAS treaty on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). 


Thank you and God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria


~Wilson Babangida Agboti

Defence/Development Consultant

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