UNGA80: Nigeria Pushes World Leaders on Nuclear Disarmament
Nigeria has called on world leaders to take urgent and concrete steps towards halting the production of fissile materials, describing it as a decisive path to ending the risk of a new nuclear arms race.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, CON, mni, made the call during the first Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT), convened by Japan on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Badaru reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to nuclear disarmament and stressed that the FMCT is not just a legal necessity but also a moral obligation.
“Closing the fissile material gap is the most realistic way to stop an uncontrolled arms race,” the Minister said. “The FMCT will rebuild trust, strengthen the Non-Proliferation Treaty and give momentum back to disarmament.”
The Defence Minister urged the global community to turn rhetoric into action, especially as 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
“The memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki compels us to act with courage. The survival of humanity demands it,” he added.
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Highlighting Africa’s role, Badaru noted that the Treaty of Pelindaba had already created a nuclear-weapon-free zone across the continent.
“Africa has shown that restraint is possible. Nigeria now calls for that same spirit to guide global action,” he said.
To fast-track progress towards the FMCT, Nigeria outlined three immediate measures: a global moratorium on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons, the dismantling or conversion of existing facilities to peaceful uses, and leveraging these steps to build momentum for a universal, verifiable and non-discriminatory treaty.
The Minister further linked Nigeria’s stance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, insisting that disarmament is central to peace and development.
>“Disarmament is not an abstract debate. Every step we take to reduce nuclear risks frees resources for health, education and economic growth,” Badaru stated.
Observers say Nigeria’s intervention signals a transition from passive participation to active leadership in global disarmament advocacy, positioning the country as a bridge-builder between regional achievements and global policy for a safer world.
The statement was signed by Mati Ali, Personal Assistant (Media & Publicity) to the Honourable Minister of Defence.
By PRNigeria
