By Bavoriat Clara
Nigeria has renewed its commitment to nuclear disarmament and urged the international community to take urgent steps toward halting the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, CON, mni, made the call at the inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT), convened by Japan on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mati Ali, the Minister described the FMCT as both “a legal necessity and a moral duty,” stressing that closing the fissile material gap remains the most realistic step to prevent an uncontrolled arms race.
“The FMCT will rebuild trust, strengthen the Non-Proliferation Treaty and give momentum back to disarmament,” Badaru said. He further urged world leaders to translate commitments into concrete action, especially as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
“The memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki compels us to act with courage. The survival of humanity demands it,” he stated.
Highlighting Africa’s leadership in nuclear restraint through the Treaty of Pelindaba, which established a nuclear-weapon-free zone on the continent, the Minister said Nigeria is committed to extending that spirit of restraint to the global stage.
To accelerate progress toward an FMCT, he outlined three immediate measures: a global moratorium on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons; dismantling or converting existing facilities to peaceful uses; and leveraging these interim steps to build political momentum for a universal, verifiable and non-discriminatory treaty.
Badaru also linked Nigeria’s position to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the connection between disarmament, security, and development.
“Disarmament is not an abstract debate. Every step we take to reduce nuclear risks frees resources for health, education and economic growth,” he said.
Nigeria’s strong stance at the UN meeting underscores its transition from participant to leader in global disarmament efforts, positioning the country as a bridge-builder between regional achievements and international policy for a safer world.
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