President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) to be under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
This was disclosed by the Head, Strategic Communication, ONSA, Mr Zakari Usman. Usman announced that NCCSALW would replace the defunct Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and would be essential for policy guidance, research and monitoring all aspects of SALW in Nigeria.
Usman said "The NCCSALW will serve as the National Focal Point on SALW in Nigeria and lead a multi-stakeholder process involving government Ministries, Departments, Agencies and the civil societies in implementing all national, UN and ECOWAS Plans of Action on the control of SALW.
"The Center will maintain international cooperation and also operate zonal offices in the 6 geopolitical zones to ensure quick response and effective mobilization of resources."
Maj. Gen. AM Dikko (Rtd.) has been appointed as Pioneer Coordinator of the centre.
Dikko served as a Course Director at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre and Chief Instructor of the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre.
Dikko was also a Military Adviser, United Nation Office for West Africa, Director of Peacekeeping Operations, Defence Headquarters as well as Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLA amongst other postings.
The pioneer coordinator's vast experience is expected to operationalise the objectives of the NCCSALW.
