President Bola Tinubu has called on the United Nations Security Council to take stronger action against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and intensify efforts towards the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.
Tinubu also said Nigeria’s security and national defence do not depend on nuclear weapons, noting that the country is not among the states possessing the estimated 12,187 nuclear warheads worldwide.
The President’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 to mark the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
Ibrahim said eliminating nuclear weapons remains the United Nations’ foremost disarmament priority, stressing that Nigeria neither supports their production nor proliferation.
He described countries and groups involved in developing or promoting weapons of mass destruction as threats to democratic values and international peace.
The envoy urged member states to uphold the disarmament obligations contained in the UN Charter, particularly Article 6, while also respecting Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states.
According to him, strict compliance with the Charter would contribute to global peace and reduce incentives for the development and spread of weapons of mass destruction.
Ibrahim also conveyed Tinubu’s commendation to African leaders for their efforts to keep the continent free from nuclear weapons testing and the production of weapons of mass destruction.
He highlighted the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare, recalling the enormous loss of lives caused by the atomic bombings during the Second World War.
The ambassador said the international community must avoid actions capable of worsening geopolitical tensions and instead strengthen its commitment to peace, security and stability.
The UN session was also aimed at increasing global awareness of the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and strengthening international efforts towards achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.
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