Nigeria envoy plea challenges negative global criticism as the nation urges cooperation over naming and shaming on security issues
According to diplomats present at the United Nations Security Council, the Nigeria envoy plea was delivered with notable firmness as Mr Syndoph Endoni urged the international community to refrain from naming and shaming the country over its security challenges.
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The Nigeria envoy plea came during a meeting on the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons and its devastating impact on the Sahel Region.
Endoni warned that the uncontrolled circulation of these weapons has worsened conflicts, prolonged insurgencies and strengthened extremist groups, causing profound humanitarian consequences.
He described the human cost as severe, with communities displaced, livelihoods erased and lives lost across multiple regions.
He condemned the criminal acts committed with such weapons, calling them inhuman, wicked and unacceptable. He stressed that cooperation, not public censure, would offer meaningful solutions.
Nigeria’s position followed rising external criticism, particularly the recent U.S. designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged Christian genocide, a label the government strongly rejects.
The envoy reminded the Council that illicit arms remain a direct and serious threat to Nigeria and the wider Sahel, fuelling terrorism, banditry and communal violence.
He outlined national measures, including the establishment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in 2021.
Regionally, he highlighted Nigeria’s collaboration with ECOWAS and the Multinational Joint Task Force to improve border security, intelligence sharing and joint operations aimed at disrupting trafficking networks.
At the multilateral level, he noted Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the UN Programme of Action, the International Tracing Instrument and the Arms Trade Treaty, which Nigeria was the first African State to sign and ratify.
He argued that these frameworks remain critical to global accountability and arms control.
The Nigeria envoy plea also called for coordinated international support, emphasising capacity building, technology transfer and stronger border management.
He said root causes such as poverty, instability, weak governance and inequality must be tackled to achieve lasting peace.
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Endoni reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to work closely with the Security Council and all partners for a peaceful and resilient Sahel where illicit weapons no longer threaten development.
