The Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre(CISLAC) and Head Transparency International , Nigeria, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani has called for the concerted and collective efforts among stakeholders at all levels of the society to curtail illicit use of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) proliferation.
In a statement issued in Abuja on the spate of insecurity in Nigeria, Auwal said capacities of stakeholders should be enhanced for an effective implementation of result-oriented programs and formulation of evidence-based policies.
He stressed the need for interventions at the national, state and local levels to be strengthened and promote peaceful coexistence amongst the diverse ethno-religious and political groups in Nigeria;
“There is need for an improved border management mechanism using modern and sophisticated detection equipment to discourage arms trafficking through the borders. Also, effective strategies should be deployed to numerous police forces/stations.
“There is need for a review of the Fire Arms Act with stringent penalties to address the current challenges associated with SALWs proliferation.
“The three arms of government and all stakeholders should make and implement laws pertaining to the manufacture, importation, storage and possessions of firearms;
“ There is need to establish and strengthen institutional frameworks for the control of elicit SALWs proliferation to ensure an effective, coordinated and consistent implementation of arms control programs in the country,” he said .
