President Bola Tinubu has called on the UN Security Council to enforce the principles of the UN Charter by sanctioning nuclear proliferation and advancing global nuclear disarmament, according to Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim. The statement was delivered at a high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, marking the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria, which does not possess any of the world’s 12,187 nuclear warheads, prioritizes diplomatic solutions over nuclear deterrence. 'Nigeria’s national security is not contingent on nuclear weapons,' Ibrahim stated, reiterating the country’s opposition to the production or spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
Ibrahim highlighted that Nigeria views states engaging in WMD development as adversaries of democracy, urging compliance with Article 6 of the UN Charter on disarmament and Article 2(4), which prohibits threats of force against state sovereignty. 'Strict adherence to these principles would bolster international peace and reduce the impetus for WMD proliferation,' he said. The envoy also commended African leaders for maintaining the continent’s status as a nuclear-free zone, while condemning the human toll of nuclear warfare, including the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 'The international community cannot afford actions that escalate geopolitical tensions,' Ibrahim warned, stressing the need for renewed commitment to stability.
The UN meeting served as a platform to amplify awareness of nuclear threats and mobilize global efforts toward a nuclear-weapon-free world. Nigeria’s participation underscored its role as a proponent of multilateral disarmament, despite not being a nuclear-armed state. Ambassador Ibrahim noted that securing Nigeria’s prominent role at the UN General Assembly is a significant achievement, reflecting the country’s diplomatic engagement. Tinubu, who recently returned from a four-week European vacation, reiterated his focus on national priorities, including regional security and economic development.
The call for UN-led sanctions against nuclear proliferation aligns with broader global debates on non-proliferation frameworks. Nigeria’s stance reinforces its reputation as a leader in African disarmament advocacy, while raising questions about the effectiveness of current international mechanisms. As the world grapples with evolving security challenges, Tinubu’s appeal highlights the tension between national sovereignty and collective global responsibility in addressing the existential threat of nuclear weapons.