Nigeria reaffirms lack of nuclear weapons at UN General Assembly

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has reaffirmed that the nation possesses no nuclear weapons and has never pursued a nuclear weapons programme. Speaking at the 108th Plenary Meeting of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Ibrahim stated that President Bola Tinubu directed him to restate Nigeria’s commitment to global efforts to eliminate nuclear-weapon testing.

Ibrahim highlighted that the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission serves as the lead agency overseeing the country’s nuclear-related activities and regulatory framework. He also called for a review of Article 2(7) of the UN Charter, arguing that the principle of non-intervention should not hinder international action against states that engage in nuclear-weapon testing or possess weapons of mass destruction.

Aligning with the African Group, Ibrahim noted that Africa remains a nuclear-weapon-free zone. He emphasized Nigeria’s willingness to strengthen international partnerships, citing collaborations with countries including Russia, China, France, South Korea, and the United States to support a world free from nuclear threats.