By Harriet Tornguvan
Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has reaffirmed the nation's unwavering commitment to the Treaty of Pelindaba, emphasizing that maintaining Africa as a nuclear-weapon-free zone is a valuable legacy for current and future generations.
Speaking at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, hosted by Japan's Prime Minister, Mr. Kishida, the minister reiterated Nigeria's stance alongside like-minded nations in support of the Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty initiative.
The initiative aims to prohibit the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices, limiting the quantitative enhancement of such weapons.
Badaru underscored that both Nigeria and the wider African continent remain fully committed to the Treaty of Pelindaba, which declares Africa a nuclear-weapon-free zone.
He also noted Nigeria's active leadership in advocating for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, reaffirming the country’s role in advancing global peace and security.
Nigeria, he stressed, will continue its robust participation in efforts to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the proposed FMCT.
"This treaty seeks to halt the production of fissile materials for nuclear arms, thereby promoting greater transparency and collaboration between nuclear and non-nuclear states in fostering peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The Minister called for widespread support across Africa for the FMCT initiative, extending his gratitude to nations and civil society organizations dedicated to achieving this crucial goal.
He emphasized that the NPT remains the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament and expressed hope that the FMCT, once adopted, will significantly reinforce the NPT’s objectives.
Finally, Badaru urged all stakeholders to unite in support of this vital initiative, highlighting the importance of collective action in ensuring a safer, nuclear-free future.
