Nigeria’s Senate has urged the Federal Government to consider amending the Firearms Act to allow responsible and law-abiding citizens legally acquire and bear arms for self-defence. Lawmakers argued that revisiting the law has become necessary as communities continue to grapple with rising insecurity across the country.
The call followed concerns that many Nigerians remain defenceless against violent attacks, including kidnapping, banditry, and rural assaults, despite persistent appeals for improved security. Senators backing the proposal insisted that regulated civilian gun ownership could serve as a deterrent in hard-hit regions.
Supporters of the firearms review maintained that the measure would not amount to indiscriminate access to weapons but rather the establishment of a controlled system to ensure only vetted, trained, and psychologically evaluated individuals are issued licences.
Lawmakers stressed that Nigeria’s current security challenges require fresh approaches, adding that empowering citizens in remote and vulnerable communities could help reduce reliance on slow or overstretched security responses.
Some senators also highlighted global examples where regulated gun ownership has aided community protection, while acknowledging the need for strong safeguards to prevent misuse, escalation of violence, or illegal arms proliferation.
Opponents of the proposal cautioned that Nigeria’s existing tensions, poor policing systems, and weak monitoring mechanisms could complicate enforcement of any revised firearms policy. They urged the government to prioritise strengthening national security agencies instead.
The Senate resolved that the Federal Government should conduct a comprehensive review of the Firearms Act, consult security experts, and produce detailed guidelines that balance public safety with citizens’ rights to defend themselves.
