Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Maintain Nuclear Free Zone

On Sep 24, 2024

Nokia Origin, Abuja

Nigeria has joined other countries to launch a campaign for a treaty that prohibits the production of Fissile material for Nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices by limiting the quantitative improvement of nuclear weapons.

The Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru at the meeting reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to the Treaty of Pelindaba, emphasising that Africa as a nuclear-weapon-free zone is a gift to its unborn generation.

According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, the Minister stated this during a high-level meeting of the Launching of Friends of Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty, hosted by Japan’s Prime Minister, Mr. Kishida at the United Nations General Assembly 79, in New York, USA.

The African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, also known as the “Pelindaba Treaty”, established the nuclear-weapon-free zone on the African continent and was opened for signature on 12 April 1996 in Cairo, Egypt and entered into force on 15 July 2009.

Badaru stated that Nigeria and the entire African Continent shall remain committed to the Treaty of PELINDABA, declaring Africa as a Nuclear weapon-free zone.

According to the Minister, Nigeria is playing a leading advocacy role for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and it would continue to actively participate in initiatives to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime and the proposed Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) aimed at prohibiting the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and other explosive devices.

He highlighted that strengthening NPT FMCT will enhance transparency and cooperation between nuclear and non-nuclear states that will enhance a peaceful nuclear energy.

While calling for support from the entire African continent to the Fissile Material cut-off Treaty (FMCT) initiative, he appreciated all friends of FMCT, Civil Society organizations for their dedication and hard work towards the realization of this laudable enterprise.

He added that NPT remained the cornerstone on nuclear disarmament, while FMCT if adopted will strengthen nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He urged all stakeholders to support this noble endeavour.

Dominica Nwabufo