Expert Calls for Tighter Maritime Security to Combat Illicit Arms Trafficking

The Nigerian government has been urged to prioritise the Maritime sector as part of its strategy to combat the proliferation of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons.

This call was made by President of the Global Network for Human Development Research, GOLHD, Centre, during a two-day seminar in Abuja.

The event was organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the Global Network for Human Development.

During his presentation at the seminar, Dr. Orji highlighted the significant role the maritime domain plays in the illegal entry of arms into Nigeria.

He explained that ”a substantial portion of the illicit arms that fuel conflicts across the country are transported via Nigeria’s maritime routes and called for stricter inspection and certification of ships to curb the influx of illegal arms into the country.”

Furthermore, Dr. Orji drew a connection between climate change and the rise in conflicts linked to the proliferation of small arms.

He noted that “environmental challenges such as desertification and drought lead to a depletion of resources like water and grazing lands. This scarcity drives people to migrate and compete for limited resources in new areas, often resulting in conflicts that escalate to armed violence.”

Dr. Orji emphasised that addressing the security challenges posed by illicit arms required a comprehensive approach that includes stronger maritime regulations, alongside tackling the root causes of conflict, such as climate-induced resource scarcity.

He explained that “more attention should be on the maritime domain to ensure that all ships are properly inspected and certified as the larger percentage of goods coming into the country use these route.”

He advocated continuous stakeholder engagements such as the seminar, empowerment of the relevant agencies responsible for maritime security as well as effective collaboration between the security agencies in the sector.

“There is need for greater and closer collaboration between our agencies to ensure adequate policing of these entry points into the country. It is through these entry points that illicit arms and goods come into the country, they must be properly manned,” he added.

Mercy Chukwudiebere