Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering support for concerted effort to verifiably rid the world of all nuclear weapons.
The Charge d’Affaires, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, stated this while delivering Nigeria’s statement at the UN headquarters in New York.
Endoni, who spoke on the occasion of the Observance of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, said Nigeria was unwavering in its support for a nuclear-free world.
Nigeria commended the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) for its steadfast efforts in pursuit of a nuclear‑test‑free world.
He said “Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering support for this agenda and stand in solidarity with the global pursuit of complete and irreversible nuclear disarmament”.
“Nigeria has long championed the goal of a nuclear-weapons-free world and remains committed to the early entry into force of the CTBTO.”
Endoni commended the CTBTO for the significant progress in developing its monitoring and inspection regime, and pledge Nigeria’s continued support for its full implementation.
“The catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear testing remain undeniable, and the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons must compel a redoubling of disarmament efforts.
“The ultimate goal for the call to ban nuclear tests is to ensure the protection of people’s lives and environment, and that the need to abolish this dangerous weapon from our society must be prioritised.”
Nigeria reiterated its pride in championing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
It also urged all States, especially nuclear-armed States to consider accession, fostering consistency between the anti‑testing and anti‑possession regimes.
“The African example of the Pelindaba Treaty establishing a nuclear‑weapon‑free zone across the continent, remains a model for other regions to emulate.
“Nigeria reaffirms its strong support for the CTBT as both a safeguard against nuclear tests and a framework that upholds the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
“Nigeria calls on all States yet to accede to do so without delay as its full implementation is vital to global peace and security.”
Nigeria called upon the CTBTO Preparatory Commission, Member States and civil society partners to intensify efforts ahead of the Article XIV Conference.