Nigeria President Tinubu Signs Bill to Set Up Arms Control Centre

President Tinubu has signed a bill establishing the Centre for Arms Control in Nigeria, a crucial step in strengthening arms regulation. Learn more.

According to Nuhu Ribadu, who serves as the National Security Adviser (NSA), President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the creation of a new organization known as the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

On Tuesday in Abuja, Ribadu made known this information at a workshop concerning Gender Mainstreaming and the Prevention of Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation within Nigeria and the West African Sub-region.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Amb. Ibrahim Babani, speaking through the Director of External Affairs at the Office of the NSA, noted that with President’s approval of the bill comes a significant achievement in upholding government pledge towards limiting unlawful weapons spread.

Read Also: Tinubu Signs New Salaries Bill for Judicial Office Holders

He believes that the Centre’s mandate is reinforced by legislative support, enabling more effective and decisive actions to be taken.

In addition, he emphasized the importance of integrating gender perspectives in efforts to prevent the spread of small arms and light weapons across the nation.

According to Ribadu, the workshop was centered around significant global frameworks such as United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

He states that the resolution highlights both the crucial importance of shielding women from conflict consequences and guaranteeing their complete involvement in peacebuilding and security endeavors.

In addition, the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons emphasizes that it is our region’s joint obligation to restrain the proliferation of these hazardous weapons. This is particularly crucial as women and children in areas of conflict are disproportionately impacted by them.

He emphasized the significance of gender mainstreaming in deterring the spread of SALW, as it bolsters our tactics and guarantees a comprehensive and enduring security approach.