The Minister of Defence of Nigeria, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly and emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
The Minister expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for the UN’s leadership and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to supporting the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Group and stressed the urgent need for progress in nuclear disarmament, citing the significant threat nuclear weapons pose to international peace and humanity.
Badaru emphasized that nuclear weapons represent a significant threat that cannot be justified amidst pressing socio-economic development needs. He urged Nuclear-Weapon States to fulfil their obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and take immediate action towards achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world.
He highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapon use, including severe impacts on health, the environment, and economic resources. He reiterated Nigeria’s support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and commended nations that have ratified it, encouraging others to follow suit.
Badaru noted Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful nuclear energy applications, praising the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its monitoring efforts.
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Consequently, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the total elimination of nuclear weapons, stating, “While the path to disarmament is challenging, we must remain focused and resolute. Nigeria will continue to play its part in ensuring a safer world for future generations,” he said.
What you should know about Nigeria’s nuclear disarmament efforts
- Nigeria’s Commitment: Nigeria has strongly advocated nuclear disarmament, consistently supporting initiatives within the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement. The country is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty), establishing Africa as a nuclear-weapon-free zone. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) also aligns with Nigeria’s stance, as the nation has signed but not yet ratified it.
- UN General Assembly Speech: It’s not uncommon for Nigerian leaders or ministers to reiterate these positions in high-profile international forums, like the United Nations General Assembly, so the context is plausible. The emphasis on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, as well as calls for nuclear weapons states to fulfil their obligations under the NPT, aligns with Nigeria’s typical rhetoric on nuclear issues.
- Peaceful Nuclear Energy: Nigeria’s dedication to peaceful nuclear energy applications has been an important aspect of its nuclear policy. The Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) actively promotes the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, with cooperation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This is also correctly noted in your statement.
