The West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) Nigeria, has applauded the federal government’s performance at the 39th summit of the African Union (AU) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In a statement issued to The Trumpet in Abuja, by the President of WAANSA Nigeria, Temtope Lamidi, the organisation said two major outcomes of the summit hold far-reaching implications for Africa’s economic development and regional security.
WAANSA Nigeria commended Nigeria’s securing of a permanent seat on the board of the proposed African Central Bank, describing it as a landmark achievement that places the country at the centre of Africa’s future monetary and financial architecture.
According to the network, the development is not only an economic victory but also a strategic move with security implications.
“A stronger and more integrated African economy, driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), can reduce the economic vulnerabilities often exploited by armed groups and criminal networks,” the statement noted.
“Expanded intra-African trade can serve as a long-term instrument for sustainable peace.”
The organisation also welcomed Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the Gulf of Guinea maritime security framework, particularly its role as host of the new combined maritime task force headquarters.
WAANSA described Nigeria’s commitment to deploy naval assets, helicopters, and personnel to safeguard regional waters as a decisive step toward curbing illicit arms trafficking.
“The Gulf of Guinea has long served as a corridor for the illegal flow of small arms and light weapons, fueling insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts across West Africa,” the group stated.
“Strengthening maritime security directly disrupts the supply chain of weapons, destabilising our communities.”
Addressing arms proliferation, WAANSA Nigeria welcomed the AU’s focus on arms proliferation at the summit, aligning with Vice President Shettima’s assertion that the spread of small arms remains a leading driver of violent conflict and extremism in the region.
The organisation observed that illicit weapons trafficked through porous land borders and maritime routes have exacerbated insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin, the North West, and the South East of Nigeria.
It noted that Nigeria’s push for enhanced Gulf of Guinea cooperation, alongside improved coordination between the AU’s Peace and Security Council and regional bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), reflects the comprehensive strategy required to combat arms proliferation.
WAANSA Nigeria also acknowledged the reinstatement of Gabon and Guinea into the AU, noting Nigeria’s stance that their return followed the completion of political transition processes.
The group reiterated its support for constitutional governance across the continent, stressing that political stability is essential for effective arms control and sustainable peace.
“Democratic governance remains a cornerstone of human security and long-term stability in West Africa and across Africa,” the statement concluded.
“WAANSA will continue to advocate for reforms that strengthen peace, democracy, and effective small arms control.”
