Nigeria signed the Arms Trade Treaty

Representatives from 60 countries, including the delegation of Nigeria, signed the Treaty on Arms Trade in the United Nations Headquarters in New York, in the United States. The UN Arms Trade Treaty approved two months ago in the General Assembly aims to control the sale of equipment and munitions into falling in the hands of criminals or groups.

Nigeria and 59 countries sign UN treaty on arms trade

Gbenga Ashiru, the Foreign Minister of Nigeria signed the treaty on Monday.

A total of 62 countries participated in the first day of signing  thanks to the vote of 154 countries. Only Iran, Syria and North Korea were the only ones who voted against it while 23 countries abstained.

The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, has described it as "substantial" and "strong" but warned that "its effectiveness will depend on the willingness of states", which now corresponds to "ensure its full implementation ".

The Arms Trade Treaty establishes a universal standard based on international rules binding on arms exports, which are enforced by the national authorities of the signatory states. The agreement aims to prevent international arms transfers resulting in unlawful acts and violations of Human Rights.