The House of Representatives, may soon pass a Bill for Act, to permit Nigerians from the age of eighteen, to carry arms for self-defence.

The House of Representatives may soon pass a Bill for Act to permit Nigerians from the age of eighteen to carry arms for self-defence.

This contradicts President Muhammadu Buhari’s order to security services to shoot any civilian bearing arms.

A Bill to that effect, entitled: “Firearms Amendment Bill”, was exclusively obtained by VANGUARD at the weekend.

The Bill sponsored by Rep. Adejoro Adeogun, states in section 2 subsection 3, 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”.

The Bill also demands that the bearer “Has a National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)”, adding that “The Inspector General of Police, shall 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