Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Mr. Syndoph Endoni, has called on the international community to stop “naming and shaming” the country regarding its security issues. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council in New York, Endoni addressed the impact of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Sahel region.
He stressed that uncontrolled arms flow fuels conflicts, prolongs insurgencies, and empowers terrorist groups, resulting in devastating human suffering and destruction. “This is not just a security problem, but a deep humanitarian and development crisis,” Endoni said.
“We condemn these criminal acts but note that the problem won’t be solved by blame. Only collective action can bring solutions.”
His remarks came amid the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” related to alleged Christian genocide, a claim Nigeria rejects.
Endoni outlined Nigeria’s response, including the 2021 establishment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to align national efforts with international standards. Nigeria also collaborates regionally with ECOWAS and the Multinational Joint Task Force to strengthen borders and intelligence, disrupting arms trafficking networks.
On the global stage, Nigeria remains committed to upholding the UN Programme of Action, the International Tracing Instrument (ITI), and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)—which Nigeria was the first African nation to ratify.
Endoni urged the Security Council to integrate arms control into broader peace and conflict prevention strategies and called for effective implementation of sanctions and embargoes, supported by technical assistance to affected states.
He emphasized the need for international support in capacity building, technology transfer, and border management, stressing cooperation between the UN, regional bodies, and national governments to address root causes like poverty, inequality, and weak governance.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to work with global partners toward a peaceful, secure, and resilient Sahel, free from the threats posed by illicit weapons.
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