World Sustainable Development Goals Organization,  an International NGO has disclosed that it is ready to go into partnership with the West Africa Action Network on Small Arms, WANSA, following an hour-long meeting held today Tuesday 16th of July,  2024 in Abuja Nigeria with its Nigerian Country Representative, H.E., Engr Kolawole Rasheed Adenekan and the President,  West Africa Action Network on Small Arms, WANSA,  Bar. Temitope Lamidi.

The partnership is aimed at curbing the high rate of small Arms proliferation in the country.

The President, of West Africa Action Network on Small Arms, WANSA, Mrs Temitope Lamidi while speaking said the rate of small arms proliferation is increasing and could be evident in the rising insecurity rate across the federation stressing the need to fight it from the root instead of the usual superficial approach.

“Because of the proliferation of small arms, food is expensive because farmers can’t go to the farm to farm for fear of being kidnapped or killed. Investors are not coming into the country because of insecurity, which is leading to the free fall of our currency. This partnership is long overdue”, she added.

The Nigeria Country Representative, World Sustainable Development Goals Organization, (Worldsdgs.org, WSDGsO), His Excellency Engr. Kolawole Rasheed Adenekan, while speaking, stated that the dangers of small arms proliferation in Nigeria have significant implications for life on land and peace within the country, which is Goal 15 of SDGs (an Agency in World Sustainable Development Goals Organization).

According to him, the proliferation of small arms increases crime rates.

“The widespread availability of small arms contributes to rising crime rates in Nigeria. Criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and drug trafficking often facilitate easy access to firearms. This poses a threat to the safety and security of individuals, communities, and infrastructure on land.

“It also leads to threats to human lives. The proliferation of small arms in Nigeria amplifies the risk of violence and loss of lives. These weapons are used in intercommunal conflicts, political violence, and attacks by extremist groups. Innocent civilians, including women and children, often become the unintended victims of such violence, leading to displacement, trauma, and loss of livelihoods.

” Impedes socio-economic development is another area. The widespread possession of small arms hampers socioeconomic development in Nigeria. In regions affected by armed violence, commercial activities, investment, and tourism can be severely disrupted. The presence of armed groups also discourages the establishment of much-needed infrastructure, affecting the quality of life on land.

“Also, a threat to peace and stability. Small arms proliferation serves as a significant obstacle to achieving and maintaining peace in Nigeria. The availability of weapons exacerbates existing conflicts between ethnic, religious, and political groups, making them more lethal and difficult to resolve. The resulting violence creates a cycle of revenge and counter-revenge, undermining efforts to establish lasting peace.

“Furthermore, Inhibition of governance and rule of law. The presence of small arms makes it challenging for the government to assert its authority and maintain the rule of law. Armed groups and criminal gangs can challenge the state’s ability to enforce laws and provide security, thereby eroding trust in the government.

“Addressing small arms proliferation is crucial for Nigeria’s peace and stability on land which is an agency in our organization (Goal 15 of SDGs, Life on Land). Efforts to combat this issue require comprehensive partnerships, and strategic strategies, such as strengthening law enforcement and border control, promoting disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs, as well as fostering dialogue between communities to mitigate conflicts. Additionally, regional and international cooperation is essential to curbing small arms trafficking, disrupting supply chains, and supporting sustainable peace in Nigeria.

“Our partnership with West African Action Network on Small Arms, WANSA, will go a long way in salvaging Nigeria through the instrumentality of projects we would be rolling out together”, he added.