President Bola Tinubu has called on the United Nations Security Council to take stronger action against the spread of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, including through the use of sanctions where necessary.
Tinubu’s position was presented by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, during a high-level plenary session of the UN General Assembly in New York marking the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
The President urged the Security Council to provide stronger leadership in enforcing the principles of the UN Charter and advancing global efforts towards the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.
Nigeria also reiterated that its national security strategy does not depend on possessing nuclear weapons.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria is not among the countries that possess the estimated 12,187 nuclear warheads held globally.
Ibrahim said Nigeria remains opposed to the production and proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
He described the elimination of nuclear weapons as one of the United Nations’ most important disarmament priorities.
According to him, countries involved in developing or supporting weapons of mass destruction undermine international peace and democratic values.
The Nigerian envoy called on nations to uphold the relevant provisions of the UN Charter, including Article 6, which addresses disarmament.
He also highlighted Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states.
Ibrahim said stronger compliance with the Charter would contribute to international peace and reduce incentives for countries to develop or acquire weapons of mass destruction.
He also conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation to African countries for efforts aimed at keeping the continent free from nuclear weapons testing and the production of weapons of mass destruction.
The ambassador recalled the devastating consequences of the atomic bombings during the Second World War, noting the enormous loss of human life associated with nuclear attacks.
He warned that the international community must avoid actions capable of worsening geopolitical tensions and instead strengthen its commitment to peace and global stability.
The Nigerian delegation used the UN meeting to reaffirm the country’s support for international disarmament efforts and a world without nuclear weapons.
The session also provided an opportunity for member states to draw attention to the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and encourage stronger international cooperation towards nuclear disarmament.
Source: NAN.
