Private Member’s Bill Proposes Civilian Firearm Licensing to Combat Insecurity – Citizens May Bear Cost of Defensive Arms

By Ademola Adekusibe
15 June, 2026

A private member’s bill titled the “Civilian Defensive Arms Regulation and Community Security Act, 2026” has been proposed by Olatayo Ogedengbe Esq. The bill seeks to establish a legal framework for regulated civilian access to defensive firearms in Nigeria as a means of enhancing the protection of life and property amid escalating insecurity.

The bill establishes a Civilian Defensive Arms Licensing Authority to regulate firearm licensing, maintain a national firearms database, and administer a Civilian Community Security Fund. The fund would consist of monies appropriated by the National Assembly, grants from state governments, and donations, endowments, and voluntary contributions from Nigerian citizens and private entities, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.

Eligibility for a licence requires Nigerian citizenship, attainment of 30 years of age, no criminal record involving violence or unlawful possession of arms, verifiable means of livelihood, mental and psychological fitness, and recommendation by local government and state committees. Permissible firearms include semi-automatic firearms for defensive purposes and pump-action firearms, while fully automatic weapons remain prohibited.

Licences would be valid for two years, subject to renewal upon reassessment. License holders must store firearms in approved secure facilities and use them strictly for defensive purposes. A holder of a valid licence would be entitled to procure approved firearms at personal expense, with no financial obligation imposed on federal, state, or local governments for the purchase of such firearms.

The bill requires mandatory training and certification, including firearm safety, lawful use of force, conflict de-escalation, and community protection protocols. Each local government area would have at least one government-approved shooting range, funded through public or private contributions.

Offences include imprisonment for not less than 10 years for possession without a licence and life imprisonment for misuse of a licensed firearm.

The bill acknowledges that security forces may be overstretched and provides a complementary framework to support, not replace, official security forces. It cites international best practices in jurisdictions permitting regulated civilian firearm ownership, including the United States, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

The bill has sparked debate, with supporters arguing it empowers law-abiding citizens to defend themselves, while critics fear it could lead to an arms race and escalate violence.