DG NCCSALW Chairs ECOWAS Stakeholders Discuss on Strategies To Addressing Proliferation Of Illicit Arms, Improvised Explosive Devices IEDs

The Director General of Nigeria's National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) Babatunde Kokumo had emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the proliferation of illicit arms and Improvised Explosive Devices IEDs across the region. 

According to a statement by the Director Strategic Communications and Information, NCCSALW, Group Captain Pius Okwuego, Babatunde Kokumo stated this at the ECOWAS Coordination Meeting of the National Commissions on Small Arms Holding In Abuja, Nigeria's Capital.  

The Director General who Chaired the meeting in an address of welcome 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 now provides the legal framework needed to formalize and enhance the Contre's operations, in alignment with ECOWAS and standards. 

The Meeting with the theme “Countering Improvised Explosive Devices, Promoting Administration and Management of Small Arms and Light Weapons, and Regulating Craft Weapons Production in the ECOWAS Region” is an avenue for ECOWAS nations to strengthen collective security framework especially in tacking the circulation of SALW. 

Nigeria's Government Representative and Director General, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Babatunde Kokumo in a separate address expressed the deep commitment of Nigeria to countering the threat posed by the illegal circulation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) within and around the borders as well as the region. 

The meeting reinforces the joint efforts towards curbing the menace of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and improvised explosive devices, which presents a pressing security challenge facing the region.

The Nigerian representative said the meeting offers an opportunity to review and harmonize national initiatives, to enhance effectiveness in implementing the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and to develop cohesive strategies to address the complex threats. 

The regional meeting which aims to review and harmonize national initiatives for the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), with particular focus on promoting administration and management of SALW, commenced on Tuesday in Abuja, Nigeria, and ends on 31st October 2024.