Nigeria has called for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, warning that global security should not depend on weapons capable of causing catastrophic destruction. The country made the position known at a high-level United Nations meeting in New York as world leaders marked the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons during the 81st UN General Assembly session.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, said the continued existence and modernisation of nuclear arsenals pose serious risks to global peace and security. He noted that thousands of nuclear warheads remain in global arsenals at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and growing pressure on international arms-control systems. According to him, Nigeria does not possess nuclear weapons, has never pursued a nuclear-weapons programme and does not consider such weapons necessary for its national security.

Ibrahim urged nuclear-weapon states to fulfil their disarmament obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). He called for the irreversible, transparent and verifiable elimination of nuclear arsenals, warning that continued reliance on nuclear deterrence could increase the risks of miscalculation, escalation and devastating humanitarian consequences. He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation, dialogue and the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.

The ambassador pointed to Africa’s Treaty of Pelindaba, which established the continent as a nuclear-weapon-free zone, as an example of what regional cooperation can achieve. He said Nigeria supports efforts to establish and strengthen nuclear-weapon-free zones in other parts of the world, while maintaining that nuclear technology should remain available for peaceful applications in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, water management and sustainable development.

Nigeria’s latest position is consistent with its longstanding opposition to the development of nuclear weapons. Ibrahim said President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains ready to work with the international community on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Nigeria has previously reiterated that its focus is on the peaceful application of nuclear technology and has called on nuclear-armed countries to accelerate efforts to eliminate their arsenals.

source: nairametrics