Nigeria Has No Nuclear Weapons, Has Never Pursued Nuclear Arms Programme — Jimoh Ibrahim

Nigeria has declared that it does not possess nuclear weapons and has never pursued a nuclear weapons programme, reaffirming its commitment to international efforts aimed at preventing nuclear-weapon testing and eliminating weapons of mass destruction.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, made the declaration while addressing the United Nations General Assembly during the 108th Plenary Meeting of the 80th Session in New York.

Ibrahim, who conveyed the position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening global mechanisms for preventing the proliferation and use of nuclear weapons.

He also called for a review of Article 2(7) of the United Nations Charter, which establishes the principle that the UN should not intervene in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of states.

According to the Nigerian envoy, the principle of non-intervention should not be used to prevent international action against countries that conduct nuclear-weapons tests or possess weapons of mass destruction.

Ibrahim said Nigeria has established institutions and regulatory mechanisms to monitor nuclear-related activities and address potential threats associated with weapons of mass destruction.

He specifically identified the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) as one of the country’s key institutions responsible for overseeing nuclear activities and supporting the nation’s regulatory framework.

The ambassador’s comments come as the international community continues to debate nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the risks posed by the possession and testing of nuclear weapons.

Nigeria has historically advocated for nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear technology, including applications in areas such as energy, medicine, agriculture and scientific research.

The Nigerian government also reaffirmed its willingness to work with countries across different regions to promote peaceful nuclear cooperation and strengthen international security.

Ibrahim listed Russia, China, France, South Korea and the United States among countries with which Nigeria intends to continue cooperating as part of its broader commitment to international partnerships.

The envoy said such cooperation would remain focused on peaceful applications and strengthening mechanisms that protect global security.

Nigeria’s position reflects its broader diplomatic emphasis on multilateral cooperation and the strengthening of international institutions in addressing threats that transcend national borders.

Ibrahim’s appeal for a reconsideration of Article 2(7) centres on what he described as the need to ensure that national sovereignty does not become an obstacle to collective action against nuclear proliferation.

He argued that when states engage in activities that pose serious threats to international peace and security, the international community should have the ability to respond effectively.

The Nigerian representative’s remarks add the country’s voice to ongoing discussions at the United Nations over nuclear disarmament, weapons testing and the enforcement of international security agreements.

While Nigeria does not have a nuclear weapons programme, the country has maintained nuclear-related institutions for peaceful purposes and participates in international nuclear safety and non-proliferation frameworks.

For Nigeria, Ibrahim said, the objective remains clear: promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology while supporting global efforts to prevent nuclear weapons from threatening international peace and security.