The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has assented to the bill establishing the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Ribadu made the disclosure during a workshop on gender mainstreaming in preventing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Nigeria and West Africa, held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by Amb. Ibrahim Babani, Director of External Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Ribadu emphasized that the President’s approval marks a significant step toward combating the illegal spread of arms.
The bill now provides legislative support to the Centre, enabling more coordinated efforts in tackling the issue.
Additionally, Ribadu highlighted the importance of integrating gender perspectives in the fight against SALW proliferation, referencing key international frameworks like the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
He underscored the importance of including women in peace and security efforts, as they are often disproportionately impacted in conflict situations.
The workshop aimed to strengthen strategies for curbing illegal arms in Nigeria and across the region, with a focus on ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable approach to security.
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