The Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu, said he is committed to collaborating with the Federal Government in combatting the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
Hence, Governor Otu instructed his Commissioner for Lands to allocate land for the construction of a permanent zonal office for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Calabar.
The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Nigeria refers to the widespread and uncontrolled spread of handguns, rifles, submachine guns, machine guns, mortar, artillery, that are portable or can be transported by a few individuals.
The large increase in the number of weapons in the country is placing danger upon the life of citizens
Therefore, the partnership with the Federal Governmment against uncontrolled spread of Small Arms, Light Weapons In Nigeria is crucial due to the state’s extensive borders, which present significant security challenges.
Gov. Otu made the pledge when the management team of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), South -south zone, visited him in Calabar.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Comrade Nsa Gill in a social media post on Sunday 9th of June 2024, said Governor Otu emphasized the importance of addressing the issue through a combination of economic, social, and kinetic strategies.
Also, he said he Governor underscored the need for effective control of small arms and light weapons to ensure the safety and security of the state.
“While Taking concrete steps to support this initiative, Governor Otu instructed his Commissioner for Lands to allocate land for the construction of a permanent zonal office for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons within a week,” Gill stated.
Otu called for improved synergy between the National Centre and local security agencies by exchanging ideas to improve safety.
Meanwhile, the zonal Coordinator of NCCSALW, Rtd Major General Ifiok Obot, recalled the establishment of the Centre in May 2021, through an Executive directive.
He said their visit signifies a significant step towards strengthening efforts to control the spread of small arms and light weapons in the state.
Gen. Obot, thanked the Cross River State government for being a good host to the Zonal center.
For instance proliferation SALW can lead to Increased risk of armed conflict, Escalation of violence, Human rights violations, Empowerment of criminal organizations and terrorist groups, Disruption of regional and global security, Prolonged and devastating effects on communities and societies.
Meanwhile, The causes of SALW proliferation ranges from Poor governance and weak institutions, Conflict and political instability, Corruption and illegal trade,, Porous borders and lack of effective border control, Inadequate disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs.
Therefore, addressing SALW proliferation requires a comprehensive approach, to Strengthening international agreements and treaties, Enhancing national capacities and legislation,
Other measures include, Improving border control and law enforcement cooperation, Supporting DDR programs and conflict resolution initiatives, as well as Promoting arms control and disarmament efforts.