Nigeria has no nuclear weapons programme, committed to nuclear-free world — Envoy
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigeria has reiterated that it does not possess nuclear weapons or operate any weapons of mass destruction programme, reaffirming its commitment to global nuclear disarmament.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, stated this while addressing the 108th Plenary Meeting of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Ibrahim said Nigeria remained committed to President Bola Tinubu’s position in support of a world free of nuclear weapons.
He explained that the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission oversees nuclear-related activities in the country, stressing that Nigeria’s nuclear engagements were geared towards peaceful purposes.
The ambassador said Nigeria was also working with other countries and international partners towards achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world.
He called for a review of the United Nations Charter to strengthen international action against states that conduct nuclear weapons tests.
According to him, Africa has maintained its commitment to remaining a nuclear-weapon-free zone, making the prevention of nuclear proliferation particularly important to the continent.
Ibrahim’s remarks came as the international community commemorates 30 years of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), a landmark international instrument aimed at preventing nuclear weapon test explosions and other nuclear explosions.
He said Nigeria would continue to support international efforts aimed at strengthening nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
The envoy reiterated Nigeria’s position that global security would be better served through collective commitment to preventing the spread and testing of nuclear weapons.
