The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Africa poses a grave threat to peace and development. With an estimated 100 million SALW circulating, the continent faces widespread conflict, violence, and instability, hindering progress across numerous sectors. Nigeria, grappling with its internal security challenges significantly exacerbated by this proliferation, exemplifies the multifaceted difficulties and political obstacles inherent in tackling this critical issue. The establishment of the National Commission Against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons and Ammunitions (NATCOM) represents a notable, albeit troubled, attempt to address the problem, highlighting the urgent need for strong political will and effective collaboration to overcome significant internal resistance and external pressures.
By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman
The core of Nigeria’s struggle isn’t solely the sheer number of weapons, but rather the politicization of the very institutions intended to curb their spread. The initial stalling and subsequent recommittal of the NATCOM establishment bill demonstrate a lack of political consensus. The resistance from the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (the Centre), described by some as “unpatriotic,” underscores a troubling internal power struggle that undermines the effectiveness of any proposed solution. This internal resistance, rooted in vested interests and conflicting priorities, mirrors a broader challenge across Africa: the prioritization of political expediency over long-term national interests of security and stability. This lack of unified action directly weakens the ability to implement crucial steps such as robust legislation, strengthened border controls, effective disarmament programs, and meaningful international cooperation.
Effective gun control legislation is paramount. Comprehensive laws are needed, clearly defining prohibited weapons, establishing stringent licensing requirements, and implementing severe penalties for illegal possession and trafficking. However, effective enforcement is equally crucial. Without properly trained and equipped law enforcement agencies, even the most robust laws remain ineffectual. The political infighting within Nigeria, exemplified by the Centre’s resistance to NATCOM, reveals a serious lack of commitment to such enforcement mechanisms. The Centre’s actions not only undermine the legislative arm of government but also hinder efforts to comply with international treaties like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convention on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons. NATCOM’s functions align with this convention, aiming to prevent SALW proliferation in West Africa. The Centre’s actions are a clear demonstration of inter-agency rivalry, detrimental to national security. Instead of this rivalry, inter-agency cooperation between NATCOM and the Centre is essential for a unified approach.
Further complicating matters is Nigeria’s extensive and porous borders, making it vulnerable to arms trafficking. Strengthening border security requires significant investment in advanced detection technologies and improved cross-border collaboration. This necessitates both financial resources and a shift towards inter-agency cooperation and effective international diplomacy. However, the internal political division, clearly demonstrated in the NATCOM controversy, hinders this collaborative approach. Political disputes and a lack of trust between agencies significantly reduce the potential for effective regional partnerships and coordinated enforcement operations.
Successful disarmament programs require more than just weapon collection; they must address underlying socio-economic causes of armed violence. A comprehensive strategy is needed, incorporating community engagement, targeted awareness campaigns, and the provision of alternative livelihoods. Amnesty programs, offering incentives for surrendering weapons, can be effective, but only if trust is established between authorities and the community. The current political climate in Nigeria, characterized by mistrust and conflict, could significantly hinder the success of such programs.
The international community can play a vital role by providing financial and technical assistance, sharing best practices, and applying pressure on arms-producing and exporting countries to curb illegal flows into Africa. However, internal political struggles within Nigeria complicate this international assistance. The lack of trust and unified action internally makes it difficult for international organizations to effectively support programs and initiatives.
While the establishment of NATCOM represents a crucial step toward addressing SALW proliferation in Nigeria, the political challenges are immense. The internal resistance underscores the need for more than just legislation; it necessitates a unified political will, commitment to robust enforcement, and strong collaborative efforts nationally and internationally. Until these challenges are overcome, Nigeria will remain vulnerable to the devastating consequences of unchecked small arms proliferation. The fight for peace demands not only combating weapons but also addressing the political obstacles that impede effective control, ultimately hindering the path to a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians. The National Assembly must expedite the NATCOM Bill’s recommittal process to enable the Federal Government to establish NATCOM as a legal entity, ensuring Nigeria meets its international obligations and adopts a comprehensive approach to address security challenges posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
