VICE President Kashim Shettima has emphasized Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the global ban on nuclear weapons testing.
Speaking during a meeting at the Presidential Villa with a delegation from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), led by Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd, Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s stance on prioritizing socio-economic development over nuclear ambitions.
He pointed out that, like many African nations, Nigeria is grappling with pressing challenges such as poverty and climate change.
“Africa’s immediate concern is tackling poverty and addressing environmental crises, not pursuing nuclear capabilities,” the Vice President said.
Shettima stressed that nuclear conflict yields no winners and reiterated Nigeria’s full support for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
He also lauded the CTBTO for its global monitoring efforts, noting its 337 detection stations worldwide which have been instrumental in identifying all seven nuclear tests conducted by North Korea.
In addition to its primary role, Shettima commended the organization for its contribution to civilian causes, including tsunami and volcanic activity detection, which support global ecological stability.
Dr. Floyd, in response, lauded Nigeria’s continued leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in promoting the reduction of nuclear testing and upholding international norms against it.
He described the CTBTO’s partnership with Nigeria as both natural and productive.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Nigeria’s key institutions—such as the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA)—for their strong technical support and dedication to the CTBTO’s mission.