Nigeria's UN Envoy Calls for Nuclear Disarmament Action

On September 30, Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, advocated for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons during a high-level UN meeting in New York, commemorating the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Ibrahim highlighted the ongoing presence of thousands of nuclear warheads and the modernization efforts by nuclear-weapon states amid rising geopolitical tensions.

He urged these states to fulfill their disarmament obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to commit to the irreversible, transparent, and verifiable elimination of their arsenals. Ibrahim reaffirmed Nigeria's dedication to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and encouraged nations yet to join the prohibition treaty to do so.

He also noted Africa's status as a nuclear-weapon-free zone under the Treaty of Pelindaba. While advocating for disarmament, he supported the peaceful use of nuclear technology for development in sectors like healthcare and agriculture.

Nigeria has consistently opposed the development of nuclear weapons, with Vice President Kashim Shettima reiterating this commitment in July 2025.