Ned Nwoko’s Firearms Bill To Empower Civilians For Self-Defence Scales First Reading At Senate

A bill seeking to amend the Firearms Act and allow civilians to own and carry firearms for self-defence has scaled first reading at the Nigerian Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, comes in response to the rising insecurity in the country, including the recent killings in Plateau where over 100 civilians lost their lives.

Nwoko, a member of the Senate committee on police matters, had noted the ineffectiveness of the country’s current security apparatus in protecting Nigerians.

He pointed to the lack of adequate manpower and resources within the police force, and the military’s inability to curb the violence despite significant spending on arms and ammunition.

“The idea of a bill to enable Nigerians to carry arms to defend themselves is born out of desperation,” Senator Nwoko said in a recent interview.

“People do not have the kind of protection that they need. In Nigeria, what stops us from having an emergency number? This is one of those things that we just need to address. How do you help the ordinary Nigerians to reach out to the security forces or emergency services in the event of trouble?”

The proposed amendment outlines some measures to ensure responsible gun ownership.

They include mandatory training at local government-run shooting schools operated by former military officers, certification from traditional rulers, and mental health evaluations.

It’s, however, uncertain if the bill will eventually be passed by the Senate as it had sparked reactions about its potential of worsening the security challenges.