In a bid to re-examine and review the National Firearms Act of 1959; a piece of legislation that defines the use and prohibition of firearms, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) began a two-day workshop in Abuja.
The workshop brings together relevant stakeholders from the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, arms-bearing agencies of government, legislators, legal practitioners and some civil society organisations to critically deliberate on the legal framework, streamline enforcement and ensure alignment with international standards of practice.
Addressing participants at the workshop, the National Security Adviser, (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu said it has become necessary to re-examine the piece of legislation enacted over half a century ago, to make it robust enough to confront the rapidly changing dynamics of illicit arms flow, organised crime, terrorism and other transnational security threats.
Represented by the Director Law Enforcement and Liaison, Office of the National Security Adviser, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Rex Dundu, the National Firearms Act of 1959 served its purpose in an era with a different set of security challenges but times are rapidly changing as the situation is far more complex in the present.
According to the NSA, the availability of illicit arms which exacerbates conflicts, fuels violent extremism, undermines governance and impedes the nation’s developmental goals calls for a review of the Firearms Act amongst others cogent reasons.
“Non-state actors, armed groups, criminal syndicates and criminal syndicates have adopted their methods leveraging porous borders, technological advancement and sophisticated smuggling routes to perpetrate instability. It is against this backdrop that we must critically review and strengthen our legal architecture ensuring it effectively deters offenders, streamlines enforcement and aligns with international standards”
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu therefore Applauds the National Center’s leadership in driving the process as a participant, aiming to scrutinize the existing provisions of the Firearms Act, identify gaps, and propose amendments that align with global best practices.
He called on the participants to incorporate the provisions of relevant international conventions, strengthen oversight mechanisms, ensure reliable tracking and registration systems, and refine penalties to deter and punish offenders effectively.
” I recognise that no single institution can surmount these challenges alone. It is through collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and the harmonization of legal frameworks that we can collectively address the proliferation of illicit arms.
In doing so, we not only protect our citizens but also contribute to regional stability and the realization of international peace and security goals”
Earlier, the Director General, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, emerging transnational threats, and shifting security landscapes have rendered some long-standing legal and operational approaches insufficient.
He said the firearms regulation must be updated to reflect the complex realities of the present time shared by regional instability, porous borders, sophisticated illicit markets, and rapidly advancing thechnologies.
“The outcome of the deliberations during this workshop will be used to prompt a revised legal instrument that not only addresses today’s security threats but also anticipates those of tomorrow.
This workshop stands as evidence of our collective resolve. We are not merely responding to change. We are proactively shaping the future of arms control in Nigeria” stated the DG NCCSALW.
Dominica Nwabufo
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