Nigeria has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the global prohibition of nuclear weapons testing, reinforcing its long-standing position as a strong advocate for disarmament and global security. Vice President Kashim Shettima made the declaration during a high-level meeting with officials from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in Abuja. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the enforcement of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), describing it as essential for achieving lasting international peace and stability.
“Nigeria remains fully committed to the objectives of the CTBT and will continue to work closely with international partners to promote its universalization and enforcement,” Shettima said. He also emphasized the importance of advancing verification technologies and capacity-building to ensure the treaty’s effectiveness. Nigeria ratified the CTBT in 2001 and has since been a vocal supporter of its entry into force. The treaty, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996, has been signed by 187 countries but has not yet entered into force due to pending ratifications by key states.
CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd commended Nigeria for its leadership in promoting nuclear disarmament and welcomed continued engagement with African states in strengthening the global non-proliferation architecture. The meeting comes amid renewed global concerns about arms races and regional instability, highlighting the importance of upholding multilateral agreements designed to prevent the spread and use of nuclear weapons. As a member of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba), Nigeria continues to champion a continent free of nuclear arms and actively supports international dialogue on peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
