•Harps on collective action against proliferation of illicit arms, IEDs
Maureen Okpe
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had successfully convened the Annual Coordination Meeting of National Commissions on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOMs) in Abuja, Nigeria from 29 to 31 October 2024, aimed at countering the proliferation of illicit weapons in the subregion.
The primary objectives of the meeting were to facilitate the exchange of national experiences and to chart the course for the development of an effective framework and strategy to address the surging threats posed by IEDs, promote the administration and management of SALW, and regulate craft weapons production within the ECOWAS Region.
A statement by the Director of Strategic Communications and Information, Nigeria’s National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Group Captain Pius Okwuego, noted that the assembly was attended by distinguished delegates from across the ECOWAS Member States, representatives of regional organizations, and key stakeholders in arms control.
According to the statement, the Chairman of the meeting and Director General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the proliferation of illicit arms and IEDs across the region.
Kokumo 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 provides the legal framework needed to formalize and enhance the Centre’s operations, in alignment with ECOWAS and UN standards.
The Director-General further welcomed participants to Abuja, conveying the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
He 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.
The three-day meeting covered 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 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.
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The statement further noted, “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.
“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.
“The Government of Nigeria, alongside the ECOWAS Commission, engaged in productive deliberations over the 3-day convention as participants shared expertise and aligned national initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation in combating the proliferation of SALW and IEDs.