PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has urged the United Nations Security Council to provide leadership in enforcing the principles of the UN Charter by imposing sanctions against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and advancing the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
News Point Nigeria reports that Tinubu also stressed that Nigeria’s national security does not depend on nuclear weapons, noting that the country is not among the states possessing the 12,187 nuclear warheads held globally.
The United Nations has separately put the current global nuclear inventory at more than 12,000 warheads.
The President’s position was conveyed by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, at a high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. The 2026 high-level meeting was held on September 29.
Ibrahim said the total elimination of nuclear weapons remains the United Nations’ highest disarmament priority, stressing the need for renewed international commitment towards achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world.
He said Nigeria does not support the production or proliferation of nuclear weapons, describing those who engage in or support the development of weapons of mass destruction as enemies of democracy.
The Nigerian envoy stressed the need for countries to respect Article 6 of the UN Charter on disarmament, as well as Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
He said strict adherence to the provisions of the Charter would strengthen international peace and reduce the need for the production and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Ibrahim also conveyed President Tinubu’s commendation to African leaders for their efforts to ensure that the continent remains free from nuclear weapons testing and the production of weapons of mass destruction.
He expressed concern over the devastating human cost of nuclear attacks, recalling the massive loss of lives from the two atomic bombings during the Second World War.
The ambassador said the international community could no longer afford actions that fuel geopolitical tensions, stressing the need for greater commitment to peace and stability.
The UN meeting provided an opportunity to raise global awareness about the threat posed by nuclear weapons and mobilise international efforts towards achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world.
The United Nations says the annual observance is intended to reaffirm global commitment to nuclear disarmament and mobilise new international efforts towards that goal.
Nigeria has also reaffirmed its support for nuclear disarmament and relevant non-proliferation frameworks.
The country ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2021 and is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.