This paper interrogates the historical evolution of small arms control in Nigeria and the nexus between national control efforts and sub-regional control mechanisms anchored by collective security within the ECOWAS system. The challenges embedded in creating institutional structures for effective control remain prominent as a defective factor in the entire process. “The study shows how weak state structures for small arms control in Nigeria have been a contributory factor to the greater involvement of international and regional organizations, NGOs and civil society organizations in the implementation of small arms control processes.