Aleke Aleke in Abuja
The Federal Government in collaboration with ECOWAS Commission, yesterday commence the capacity building of national and regional organizations and key stakeholders in arms control in West Africa to tackle the threat of proliferation of arms and manufacturing of Improvise Explosive Devise (IEDs).
Director General of Nigeria’s National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), and Chair of the occasion, Deputy Inspector General of Police Babatunde Kokumo rtd, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the proliferation of illicit arms and IEDs across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Nigeria, at the three-day ECOWAS Coordination Meeting of National Commissions on Small Arms in Abuja, Kokumo said the meeting will cover critical issues facing the region, including strengthening member states’ capacities in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), advancing initiatives in the physical security and stockpile management of SALW, and exploring effective measures to mitigate the spread of craft weapons.
The agenda, he said also includes presentations from key regional stakeholders, collaborative group discussions on emerging threats, and a platform to enhance inter-institutional synergies against illicit arms production and IEDs.
He averred that Nigeria’s commitment to regional security was echoed throughout the proceedings, with emphasis placed on the shared responsibility of all ECOWAS member states to work towards the common goal of ensuring peace, stability, and safety across the region.
A statement by Director, Strategic Communications and Information, NCCSALW-ONSA, Group Captain Pius Okwuego said the meeting presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders to renew their commitment to the ECOWAS Convention on SALW, build stronger partnerships, and create cohesive strategies to mitigate these pressing challenges.
He noted that the Government of Nigeria, alongside the ECOWAS Commission, look forward to productive deliberations over the next few days as participants share expertise, align national initiatives, and strengthen regional cooperation in
combating the proliferation of SALW and IEDs.
According to him, “This significant regional meeting aims to review
and harmonize national initiatives for the effective implementation of the
ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), with particular focus on countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs), promoting administration and management of SALW, and regulating craft weapons production within the ECOWAS Region”.
The DG, he said also highlighted recent milestones in Nigeria’s journey, notably the enactment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024, which now provides the legal framework needed to formalize and enhance the Centre’s operations, in alignment with ECOWAS and UN
standards.
Kokumo reiterated Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to combating the threats posed by small arms proliferation and IEDs, noting the recent successes in destroying over 2,400 recovered weapons and the ongoing efforts to foster inter-agency collaboration to strengthen arms control measures.
