Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment in ensuring better performance of the country’s Treaty implementation and reporting obligations aimed at putting a stop to the proliferation and illicit trafficking in conventional arms to bring about sustainable peace and security.
The Minister who was represented by the Director, Joint Services Department, Mrs. Olu Mustapha made the remark while declaring open the National Training Workshop on Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation for Treaty Implementation and Reporting in Nigeria with the theme ‘Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation for Treaty Implementation and Reporting,’ held in Abuja.
“By implication, this workshop underscores the need to enhance our individual and national capacities to ensure timely and effective Treaty implementation and reporting; being the two core national obligation expected to be carried out by Nigeria as a responsible State Party to the ATT,” he said.
Gen Magashi noted that it is in recognition of the need to confront and adequately respond to the danger posed by the proliferation of SALW to the nation’s defence and security efforts, that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the establishment of National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), aimed at addressing emerging threats to security in the country.
He pointed out that the unauthorized production, trade and transfer of conventional arms as well as their illicit diversion is a major bane to sustainable peace and security not only in Nigeria but in many countries of the world.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Musa Istifanus represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistic (PRS), Mr. Benson Odama explained that Nigeria as a State Party to Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), is an International multilateral instrument that seeks to regulate the International trade in conventional arms by establishing the highest global standards governing the transfer of arms and weapons.
He stated that the workshop is aimed at providing the participants drawn from across relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with the opportunity to interact, brainstorm and develop strategies to strengthen inter-agency cooperation to ensure seamless and effective Treaty implementation and reporting in Nigeria.
The Head of ATT, Domisali Ladala, in his goodwill message noted that Nigeria was the first to sign and ratify the ATT. He expressed his appreciation to Nigeria for hosting the maiden workshop.
Victoria Agba-Attah
Director (P & PR)
