Nuclear Weapons: Nigeria Makes Fresh Declaration At UN

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to international efforts aimed at ending nuclear-weapon testing, while clarifying that the country does not possess nuclear weapons and has never pursued a nuclear weapons programme.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, made the clarification while addressing the United Nations General Assembly during the 108th Plenary Meeting of the 80th Session in New York.

According to remarks attributed to Ibrahim, Nigeria remains committed to strengthening global efforts to prevent the testing and proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

The Nigerian envoy also called for a review of Article 2(7) of the United Nations Charter, arguing that the principle of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of states should not be used to restrict international action against countries involved in nuclear-weapon testing or the possession of weapons of mass destruction.

Ibrahim noted that a number of institutions and regulatory mechanisms are responsible for monitoring and addressing issues relating to nuclear activities and weapons of mass destruction.

He identified the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission as one of the key institutions responsible for overseeing the country’s nuclear-related activities and regulatory framework.

The envoy further highlighted Nigeria’s cooperation with countries across the world, including Russia, China, France, South Korea and the United States, as part of its broader commitment to international cooperation in the nuclear sector.

He said President Bola Tinubu had directed him to reaffirm Nigeria’s willingness to strengthen international partnerships aimed at eliminating nuclear-weapon testing and promoting global security.

Ibrahim’s remarks underscore Nigeria’s position in support of international efforts to curb nuclear proliferation while maintaining the country’s commitment to the peaceful and regulated use of nuclear technology.