Civil Society Teams for Good Governance (CSGGG) coalition has referred to as on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to signal the Nationwide Fee for the Management of Small Arms and Mild Weapons (NATCOM) Invoice into regulation to reinforce nationwide safety.
The attraction got here amidst rising considerations about nationwide safety and the proliferation of unlawful firearms.
The coalition’s president, Chief Ogakwu Dominic, made the decision yesterday in Abuja. Quoting Rohini Nilekani, he acknowledged, “We can’t be mere customers of fine governance; we should be individuals; we should be co-creators.”
The group underscores this sentiment, emphasising the essential function that NATCOM might play in curbing unlawful arms and creating financial alternatives and employment for Nigerian youths.
Dominic mentioned NATCOM is envisioned as a pivotal establishment to restrain the illicit commerce of firearms whereas producing income and offering employment for over 7,000 unemployed youths in every state.
He famous that if operational, the fee is predicted to self-fund and supply substantial monetary packages to over 10,000 graduates with out authorities appropriations.
He highlighted the devastating penalties of uncontrolled weapons proliferation, which fuels violence, insecurity, and financial instability.
“The unlawful circulation of arms commerce fuels violence and insecurity. It empowers criminals, disrupts communities, and creates a local weather of worry,” he mentioned.
Dominic emphasised that the proliferation of Small Arms and Mild Weapons (SALWs) has been a major consider Nigeria’s safety challenges, resulting in elevated banditry, kidnapping, and different violent crimes.
He famous that the NATCOM Invoice, handed by the Nationwide Meeting, proposes the institution of a specialised fee to deal with these points comprehensively.
The group’s plea emphasises that signing the NATCOM Invoice enhances safety and aligns with worldwide and regional conventions such because the United Nations Protocol on Firearms and the ECOWAS Conference on Small Arms and Mild Weapons.
He mentioned by doing so, Nigeria would reaffirm its dedication to those agreements and take a major step in the direction of addressing the nationwide safety menace posed by unlawful arms.
He reiterated that the invoice guarantees substantial financial advantages by making a safer atmosphere conducive to funding, sustainable improvement, and safety features.
He careworn that NATCOM’s operational actions are anticipated to draw overseas direct funding (FDI) and encourage native companies to develop.
He moreover mentioned the fee is projected to enrich current safety outfits such because the Police, Customs, Civil Defence, Immigration, and the Navy, enhancing general effectiveness by way of collaboration and information-sharing.