VICE PRESIDENT, Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the global ban on nuclear weapons testing, declaring that the country remains firmly on the side of peace, stability, and socio-economic development.
Speaking during a high-level courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima hosted a delegation from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), led by its Executive Secretary, Dr Robert Floyd.
The meeting was held to further strengthen Nigeria’s partnership with the Vienna-based agency, which oversees compliance with the international ban on nuclear testing.
In his remarks, Shettima emphasized that Nigeria has no interest in the nuclear arms race, and instead is focused on tackling pressing existential threats such as poverty, insecurity, and climate change, issues he said are far more critical to Africa’s survival and prosperity.
“The outcome of any nuclear conflict is never a win-win situation; it is always the opposite,” Shettima said.
“We are fighting poverty; we are fighting a war against the relationship between the economy and ecology in sub-Saharan Africa.
“We have no business dabbling in anything that has to do with nuclear weapons.”
The Vice President went on to commend the CTBTO for its global vigilance and its cutting-edge monitoring infrastructure, noting that the organisation has established 337 detection stations worldwide, which have successfully tracked all nuclear tests, including the seven carried out by DPR Korea.
“I want to assure and reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive nuclear test ban, and I want to appreciate your organisation for the extra vigilance you have taken,” he stated.
While acknowledging CTBTO’s critical role in deterring nuclear proliferation, Shettima also praised the organisation’s civilian applications, which include tsunami and earthquake detection, monitoring volcanic activity, and contributing to global ecological balance.
He highlighted the importance of using science and technology for peaceful purposes, especially in vulnerable regions like Africa where natural disasters can compound human suffering.
In response, Dr Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the CTBTO, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s long-standing leadership and steadfast commitment to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
He described the relationship between the organisation and Nigeria as a “natural partnership,” rooted in shared values of peace and security.
Dr Floyd specifically lauded the contributions of Nigerian institutions like the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), citing their technical excellence and dedicated participation in CTBTO’s global mission.
“Nigeria has been instrumental in the global push to eliminate nuclear testing. Your country’s voice matters — not just in Africa, but across the world,” Dr Floyd said.
The meeting comes at a time when the international community is increasingly focused on reinforcing the global non-proliferation regime, especially in light of renewed tensions among nuclear-capable nations. Nigeria’s commitment is seen as a powerful moral stance by a leading African country, choosing diplomacy and development over deterrence and destruction.
Vice President Shettima concluded the meeting by calling for greater global cooperation, particularly in supporting developing nations as they tackle the interwoven challenges of climate change, poverty, energy access, and regional stability.