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Advancing National Security and Economic Prosperity: The Case for NATCOM in Nigeria By James Ezema

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1 year ago

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Globally, it is a well-known fact that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons poses a significant threat to national security, stability, and economic development in any country. As Nigeria grapples with rising insecurity, it is crucial to address this menace comprehensively without recourse to personal interest or individuals’ pecuniary gains. Nigeria is bigger than  any individual, no matter office we occupy. Therefore, as a Nigerian, in whatsoever capacity we find ourselves, let us remember that it is the country first.
Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) provides a unique opportunity to establish National Commission for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM) in Nigeria as a specialized commission dedicated to controlling the spread of illicit arms. This has become imperative for so many reason, especially because of its potential impact on Nigeria and Nigerian economy so as to be among other member countries that have keyed into the ECOWAS convention.
The ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Their Ammunition, and Other Related Materials is a significant regional initiative aimed at addressing the proliferation and illicit trade of small arms and light weapons within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
Some key points from the convention adopted by the Conference of ECOWAS Heads of State on June 14, 2006 has its primary objectives including to prevent and combat the excessive accumulation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) within ECOWAS and to control their circulation. The convention also seeks to address the destabilizing impact of SALWs on peace, security, and stability in the region.
In its key provisions, the convention expanded the existing moratorium on SALWs to include “components and ammunition”, established a stringent waiver procedure for member states wishing to import, export, or manufacture firearms and to this end, each member state is required to create a National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons to implement the convention’s resolutions. The national commissions are to play a crucial role in sharing information and experiences related to SALWs.
From the international context, the convention aligns with international efforts to curb the proliferation of SALWs as it considers relevant United Nations instruments, including the UN Protocol on the manufacture and illicit trade in firearms, spare parts, components, and ammunition. Additionally, the convention takes into account other regional and sub-regional initiatives aimed at addressing this issue.
In short, the ECOWAS Convention emphasizes cooperation among member states to control and prevent the spread of small arms and light weapons, contributing to regional peace and security.
In Nigeria, the urgency of addressing small arms and light weapons proliferation cannot be over emphasised, especially when we take patriotic look into the current security challenges in the country.
Small arms and light weapons — such as handguns, rifles, and grenades — have fueled violence, terrorism, and criminal activities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones without exception. We all feel it daily in the ongoing banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and secessionist agitations threatening lives, disrupting legitimate activities in our local communities, and hindering economic progress amid hunger and poverty in most parts of the country.
Therefore, NATCOM’s establishment would allow a better coordinated efforts to curb the influx of illegal arms within and outside Nigeria’s ungoverned spaces, given by its already established structure and volunteer workforce.
Secondly, looking at NATCOM’s Mandate and ECOWAS Convention, NATCOM’s primary mandate would be to coordinate and control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. This aligns with the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Their Ammunition, and Other Related Materials. By ratifying this convention, Nigeria commits to regional cooperation in combating arms trafficking and promoting peace and security.
Looking at the economic gains, job creation is on top of it all as NATCOM’s activities would create employment opportunities for the Nigerian youths, especially at this time when criminality is on the increase due to high rate of job losses and hash economic realities.
From arms control officers to administrative staff, the commission’s workforce would contribute to reducing unemployment rates in the country while training programmes for arms control and border security would enhance skills and employability in the country.
Also key is enhanced security and investment climate in Nigeria as a safer environment attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) and encourages local businesses to expand. Investors seek stability and predictability. Therefore, NATCOM’s efforts would reduce armed conflicts, safeguard critical infrastructure, and protect businesses. This stability would boost economic growth. Today, power infrastructure are daily vandalized, the businesses and homes in darkness due to increasing activities of unemployed young people in the country.
On improving regional trade and integration, an efficient arms control facilitates cross-border trade. NATCOM’s collaboration with neighboring countries would enhance regional integration. Legal arms trade can thrive without endangering security. This benefits Nigeria’s trade relations within ECOWAS.
The economic toll of insecurity — lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and infrastructure damage — is substantial and NATCOM’s preventive measures would drastically reduce these costs, redirecting resources from security responses to development projects that would yield long-term benefits through its grassroots related operations.
Having established the some of the gains of establishing NATCOM, it is important to note that it must be established by an Act of the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu to give legal framework that ensures the commission’s authority, funding, and operational autonomy.
NCCSALW Vs NATCOM
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), had recently issued a statement that NATFORCE and NATCOM, are not part of Nigeria’s security architecture and have no affiliation with any official security agency, insisting that the outfits are not backed by federal law, lack the authority to recruit, and are not approved to operate as security organizations.
The statement also noted that the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), remains the National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria, coordinating with all relevant stakeholders to implement the UN and ECOWAS Plans of Action on the control of small arms and light weapons, adding that in 2021, the office of the NSA directed the dismantling of illegal security outfits involved in extorting and harassing Nigerians.
This development prompted this instigative research on National Commission for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM), leading to the above exposé on the planned establishment of the Commission and the gains of an Act of the National Assembly, presidential assent, and culminating in an official gazette of the federal government of Nigeria.
Nevertheless, the public was reminded that NATFORCE and NATCOM are not part of Nigeria’s security architecture and have no affiliation with any official security agency.
However, in the course of this investigative research, it was found that the recent statement that was credited to NCCSALW on the activities of NATCOM could be seen in some quarters as an affront on the National Assembly, particularly the 10th Assembly, which listed the recommittal of the NATCOM Bill 2023 on its order paper.
The Media in July 2023 widely reported that the 10th National Assembly has commenced the recommittal process of Bills passed by the 9th Assembly but were neither assented to nor assent withheld by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before the expiration of the preceding Assembly.
Available records from the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, according to media reports, showed that Bills that fall into this category, were 44, one of which, is the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition and other Related Materials (Ratification and Enforcement) Bill 2023, otherwise passed as NATCOM Bill 2023, which was earlier transmitted to former President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2023.
Investigations have also revealed that NATCOM inherited a large number of volunteer workforce from NATFORCE and have recruited some of those who have expressed interest.
However, it was found that the volunteers have no terms of service or remunerations attached since NATCOM has not been existing as part of the Nigerian security architecture but as a group of volunteers seeking legal backing to help support the existing national security architecture for a safer country.
These volunteers, it was found, are able bodied Nigerians, including professionals and retirees who have offered their services free of charge and funding their activities from their pockets.
Findings also revealed that the volunteers have patriotically offered themselves to provide intelligence/information on illicit arms and ammunitions in the hands of non-state actors while awaiting presidential assent and official gazetting of the NATCOM Act by President Tinubu — NATCOM has a record of collaboration/complimentary services with the Nigeria Police Force in time past.
In the meantime, the impact of NCCSALW at the office of the NSA, which was established in May 2021 by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has not been fully felt, hence the security situation and the number of illegal arms and ammunitions flowing into the hands of non-state actors and into many ungoverned spaces in the country still prevails.
Therefore, NCCSALW should instead find a common ground for collaboration, encouragement, and synergy with NATCOM, which has pursued it’s legislative backing for over 10 years for enabling Act and legal teeth, which was eventually gotten when the 9th Assembly passed the NATCOM bill into law and awaiting Presidents assent and with the recommittal of the bill by the 10th Assembly.
It’s is therefore shocking to read the NCCSALW under the office of the NSA portraying itself as though it is seeking to frustrate the ongoing efforts of both NATCOM and the 10th National Assembly who are determined to address the prevailing issue of insecurity in Nigeria.
NCCSALW should explore possibilities for collaboration with NATCOM volunteers just like the Nigeria Police Force did in time past.
While the NCCSALW serves as a stopgap measure, NATCOM’s establishment by an Act of the National Assembly promises a more robust, sustainable approach to small arms control. And by signing the NATCOM Bill into law, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would have strengthened Nigeria’s security architecture and contribute to regional stability and prosperity
President Tinubu’s leadership as ECOWAS chairman presents a historic moment for Nigeria hence establishing NATCOM would demonstrate our commitment to regional security, youth empowerment, and economic prosperity. By controlling proliferation of small arms and light weapons will pave the way for a safer more prosperous Nigeria. Let us, therefore, patriotically seize this opportunity and build a resilient future for our country and desist from unnecessary inter-agency rivalry which portend a great danger to national security and advances made thus far.
Comrade James Ezema is a journalist and National Vice President (Investigation), Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) and the National President of the Association of Bloggers and Journalists against Fake News (ABLFN). He writes from Abuja, Nigeria via email: [email protected]

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James Ezema is a Digital Marketing Executive, human rights campaigner, veteran journalist and political scientist.

He can be reached via +2348035823617 (WhatsApp/Calls/SMS).

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

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8 hours ago

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August 18, 2025

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

 

The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.

The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.

Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.

As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

 

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

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1 day ago

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August 17, 2025

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

 

Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:

“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”

 

This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

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1 day ago

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August 17, 2025

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.

 

 

According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.

 

 

“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”

 

Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.

 

 

By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.

 

 

For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.

 

 

As one youth participant reflected:

“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”

 

The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.

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