Defence Minister reaffirms commitment to nuclear disarmament in UN address
By Kunle Sanni
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the country’s strong commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
In his speech, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s alignment with the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Group, stressing the urgent need for progress in nuclear disarmament to safeguard international peace.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Henshaw Ogubike, the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, on Friday.
According to the statement, Badaru called on Nuclear-Weapon States to fulfill their obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and work towards a nuclear-weapon-free world, highlighting the disproportionate threat posed by nuclear weapons in comparison to global socio-economic challenges.
He highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons on health, the environment, and economic resources, advocating for the complete elimination of such weapons.
Praising the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its oversight of peaceful nuclear energy uses, the minister reiterated Nigeria’s support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and urged more countries to ratify it.
“Nigeria will continue to play its part in ensuring a safer world for future generations,” Badaru stated, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to disarmament despite the challenges ahead.
