West African Action Network on Small Arms, WAANSA-Nigeria, has called for partnership in the combat illicit transactions in small arms and light weapons.
The call was made in an address delivered by the director of Programmes, WAANSA-Nigeria, Mr. George-Okoli Francisco Chidi, at the Fourth Review Conference on the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms (RevCon4) Civil Society Statement, on June 20, 2024, in New York.
Mr Georg-Okoli, who represented the president of WAANSA Nigeria, Ms Temitope Lamidi, at the conference, noted that illicit trade in small arms has not only posed as drawback to developmental efforts in Nigeria, but has also threatened the security and stability of the country.
Mada President, I’m here to represent the president of WAANSA Nigeria, Ms Temitope Lamidi LLB, who is unavoidably absent due to officially engagements.
“I am honoured to address this esteemed gathering today on a topic of utmost urgency and importance: ‘combating the illicit trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Nigeria.
“These issues not only threaten the security and stability of my country but also undermine efforts towards sustainable development and respect for human rights. The intertwining challenges of transnational organised and SALW proliferation present a formidable barrier to peace and prosperity.
“Cartels and criminal syndicates exploit porous borders and weak governance structures to traffic narcotics, fueling violence and perpetuating instability.
“Concurrently, the illicit trade of SALW exacerbates these threats, arming non-state actors and criminal elements with deadly firepower that further compounds the already difficult security landscape.
“Madam President, the complexity of these challenges necessitates a unified and comprehensive approach at the national level.
“Currently, Nigeria, just like most developing states, faces a patchwork of fragmented policies and strategies that often lack coordination and synergy.
“This disjointed approach undermines our ability to effectively confront the interconnected issues of drug trafficking and SALW proliferation. Effective solutions require robust international cooperation and collaboration.
“Transnational crimes such as drug trafficking and SALW proliferation transcend borders, necessitating joint efforts among nations to disrupt illicit supply chains, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and promote regional security frameworks. International partnerships have proven pivotal in addressing these challenges, underscoring the imperative of collective action and mutual assistance, synergies and complementaries between the PoA and other arms control instruments.
“Madam President, distinguished delegates, to achieve meaningful progress, the world must prioritise the development of a cohesive policy framework that integrates efforts to combat transnational organised crime and SALW proliferation.
“This framework should encompass enhanced border security measures, strengthened law enforcement capabilities, targeted initiatives to disrupt illicit financial flows, and comprehensive strategies for disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants,” Georg-Okoli said.
Noting that addressing the scourge of transnational organised crime and the illicit trade of SALW demands urgent and concerted action, WAANSA-Nigeria observed that adopting unified national policies and fostering robust international cooperation can mitigate the threats posed by these transnational crimes, safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the citizens while advancing sustainable development goals.
Earlier, Mr. George-Okoli had expressed appreciation the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, for its commitment towards civil society engagements in West Africa.
