The House of Representatives may soon pass a Bill to permit Nigerians from 18 and above to carry arms for self-defence.
The Bill is sponsored by Rep. Adejoro Adeogun representing Akoko South East/Akoko South West.
Section 2 subsection 3 states that “Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), a person shall be entitled to the grant of a license or permit under this Act if, at the time of application, the person: at least eighteen years of age”. and “has a psychological evaluation certificate from a government hospital, not more than six months, has a vision quality certificate from a government hospital, not more than six months, has a police clearance certificate not more than twelve months, has a rifle club membership of at least six months and a firearms proficiency certificate issued by the club, and has a national identification number.”
According to the Bill, the bearer must have a National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); and the Inspector General of Police would maintain a manual and an e-register of such permits in Force.
The Bill also states that “The Inspector General of Police, may, with the consent of the Governor of the State, grant a permit to any person to carry on the business of manufacture and repair of the firearms referred to in Part III of the Schedule to this Act”.
The Bill seeks a jail sentence of at least two years for offences to the law.
Section 35 (2) of the Principal Act is amended by substituting for the words, one thousand naira or imprisonment for two years, the words seventy-five thousand or imprisonment of not less than two years.