The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, announced that President Bola Tinubu has officially approved the bill establishing the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. This development marks a significant step toward addressing the issue of illegal arms in the country.
Ribadu made this known at a workshop focused on Gender Mainstreaming in efforts to prevent the spread of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria and the broader West African sub-region. The event took place on Tuesday in Abuja. Ribadu was represented by Amb. Ibrahim Babani, the Director of External Affairs from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
According to the NSA, the President’s endorsement of the bill is a critical achievement in the administration’s ongoing efforts to combat the unlawful circulation of weapons. The legislative support provided by the bill enhances the Centre’s authority, allowing for more coordinated and effective measures in tackling the problem.
Ribadu also emphasized the importance of incorporating gender perspectives in addressing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. He noted that the workshop was aligned with key global frameworks, such as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which focuses on gender equality in peace and security efforts.
According to him, “the resolution emphasises the critical need to protect women from the impacts of conflict while also ensuring their full participation in peacebuilding and security initiatives.”
“Moreover, the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons underscores the collective responsibility of our region in curbing the spread of these dangerous weapons, which disproportionately affect women and children in conflict zones.”
“The importance of gender mainstreaming in preventing the proliferation of SALW cannot be overstated as it strengthens our strategies, and ensures that our approach to security is inclusive and sustainable,” he said.
