Tinubu Government Breaks Silence On Nuclear Weapons, Says Nigeria Has No Need For Them

Nigeria has reaffirmed that it does not possess nuclear weapons and has no intention of developing them, while calling on countries with nuclear arsenals to work towards their complete elimination.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, made the position known on Tuesday during a high-level UN General Assembly meeting in New York to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Ibrahim said Nigeria believes the complete elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against their use or threat of use.

“Nigeria does not possess nuclear weapons, has never pursued a nuclear-weapons programme and has no intention of doing so. Our security does not depend on nuclear weapons,” the ambassador said.

Ibrahim urged nuclear-armed states to fulfil their disarmament obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and commit to the irreversible, transparent and verifiable destruction of their nuclear arsenals.

He expressed concern over the continued modernization of nuclear weapons and argued that reliance on nuclear deterrence could increase the risks of miscalculation, escalation and severe humanitarian consequences.

The ambassador said Nigeria’s approach to international security was based on dialogue, international law, cooperation and equal security for all nations rather than dependence on nuclear weapons.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to international efforts aimed at nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

At the same time, Ibrahim said Nigeria supports the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, provided such activities comply with international obligations. He identified healthcare, agriculture, energy, water management and sustainable development as areas where nuclear technology could be applied for peaceful purposes.

Ibrahim also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and highlighted Africa’s experience under the Treaty of Pelindaba, which established the continent as a nuclear-weapon-free zone.

He encouraged countries that have not joined the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to consider doing so as part of broader international efforts towards nuclear disarmament.

Nigeria’s position is consistent with statements it has made at previous UN disarmament forums, including its support for nuclear-weapon-free zones, nuclear risk reduction and the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Ibrahim said Nigeria would continue working with other UN member states to develop practical, inclusive and verifiable measures aimed at reducing nuclear risks and achieving the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons.