Nigeria has called on the United Nations Security Council to take stronger action against the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, urging the international body to enforce sanctions against states or actors involved in their spread.
President Bola Tinubu’s position was presented by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, during a high-level plenary session of the UN General Assembly in New York marking the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Ibrahim said the complete elimination of nuclear weapons remained a major disarmament priority for the United Nations.
The Nigerian envoy said Abuja opposed both the production and proliferation of nuclear weapons, stressing that Nigeria’s national security did not depend on possessing such arms. He noted that an estimated 12,187 nuclear warheads are held globally by nuclear-armed states.
Ibrahim urged countries to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, particularly provisions relating to disarmament and the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states.
According to him, greater compliance with the UN Charter would contribute to international peace and reduce incentives for the development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
He also highlighted Africa’s longstanding commitment to remaining free of nuclear weapons, commending African leaders for efforts to prevent nuclear weapons testing and the production of weapons of mass destruction on the continent.
Nigeria’s intervention comes amid renewed international concern over nuclear risks and the continued existence of thousands of nuclear warheads worldwide. The UN meeting was aimed at raising awareness of the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and strengthening global efforts towards their eventual elimination.
Nigeria has consistently supported a nuclear-free Africa while maintaining support for the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The country is also a party to international instruments aimed at preventing the proliferation and use of nuclear weapons.
The Nigerian government’s latest position therefore places renewed emphasis on stronger international enforcement, disarmament and multilateral diplomacy as the country presses for a world free of nuclear weapons.
