Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) has renewed his call for legislation to permit qualified Nigerians to own firearms for self-defence, citing rising insecurity across the country.
Nwoko made the call while addressing journalists in Abuja, stating that the increasing cases of killings, kidnappings and attacks have exposed gaps in the nation’s security architecture.
According to him, the proposal is contained in two security-related bills currently before the National Assembly.
He explained that one of the bills seeks to establish a strict legal framework that would allow eligible Nigerians to acquire firearms under a regulated licensing system.
The lawmaker said, “Whether we have state police or not, we must advance the situation where people have the right to carry arms if they want. It is not compulsory that everybody must have a gun, but those who desire one should have the opportunity after proper training and certification.”
Nwoko stressed that the bill does not promote indiscriminate gun ownership but is designed to ensure that only responsible citizens are granted licences.
He added that applicants would be required to undergo professional firearms training, obtain medical certification on mental fitness, secure recommendations from their local government chairman or traditional ruler, and receive clearance from the Department of State Services and the police.
“Many bad people are already illegally armed. What I am advocating is for the good people to also have the opportunity to possess arms legally if they choose to do so,” he said.
The senator argued that licensed civilians could help reduce casualties during attacks, particularly in vulnerable areas such as schools.
“Just imagine if two or three teachers in a school under attack were legally armed. They would have been able to fight back,” he added.
In a related development, Nwoko also advocated the establishment of licensed private military contractors through a separate bill.
He said the proposed legislation would provide a framework for retired military personnel, former security operatives and trained civilians to form regulated security companies.
According to him, such organisations could support security operations within and outside Nigeria.
“Government spends enormous resources training military personnel. When they retire, many are still physically fit and highly experienced. Rather than leaving them idle, they should be given a legal framework to continue contributing to security,” he said.
Nwoko noted that countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Burkina Faso and Iraq have adopted similar models.
He added that the initiative could also create employment opportunities and reduce the risk of retired personnel engaging in illegal activities.
The senator called for public support for the bills, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges require bold reforms.
“We need to encourage Nigerians to stand up. It is not enough to keep saying we are not mature enough. Responsible citizens should be empowered to defend themselves within the law,” he said.
However, the proposal has continued to generate mixed reactions, with supporters saying it could strengthen community security, while critics warn of the dangers associated with increased civilian access to firearms.