Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the global prohibition of nuclear weapons testing, pledging sustained cooperation with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO).
Speaking during a courtesy visit by CTBTO Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd at the Presidential Villa, Senator Shettima emphasized that nuclear warfare holds no advantages for developing nations already burdened by poverty and environmental challenges.
“There is no winner in a nuclear conflict. For us in sub-Saharan Africa, where we are still battling poverty and the economic-ecological nexus, nuclear weapons have no relevance to our development agenda,” the Vice President stated.
Dr. Floyd praised Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing its pivotal role in advancing global norms against nuclear testing.
He described the country’s collaboration with the CTBTO as a “natural partnership,” underpinned by shared objectives and technical capacity.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Floyd also acknowledged the strategic contributions of the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) to the global anti-nuclear testing framework.
Acting Chairman of NAEC, Mr. Anthony Ekedegwa, noted the Commission’s efforts in enhancing capacity and infrastructure through sustained collaboration with the CTBTO. Similarly, NNRA Director General, Dr. Yau Idris, reiterated the agency’s commitment to upholding international standards and enforcing compliance in line with treaty obligations.
The meeting also had in attendance Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Charles Oko, CTBTO Senior External Relations Officer; and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NAEC, and NNRA.