Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as part of efforts to promote national development and strengthen its role in global nuclear governance.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, made this known when he received the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Engr. Dr. Anthony Inalegwu G. Ekedegwa, during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Thursday.
According to a statement by the ministry, the meeting reviewed Nigeria’s participation in international nuclear governance and explored ways to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and the NAEC, particularly in advancing the peaceful application of nuclear technology.
Ambassador Tuggar noted that nuclear technology remains central to global discussions on energy security, technological advancement, and international peace and security.
He explained that although the Foreign Affairs Ministry does not directly supervise the Commission, it plays a key role in facilitating Nigeria’s engagement with international organisations and multilateral frameworks on nuclear governance.
The minister also stressed the importance of sustained institutional cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s presence in international nuclear diplomacy, especially within the United Nations system and related global institutions. He reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding support for the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology to drive socio-economic development.
Earlier, Dr. Ekedegwa thanked the minister for the meeting and briefed him on the activities and priorities of the Commission. He highlighted Nigeria’s continued engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other global bodies, particularly in areas such as technical cooperation, capacity building, and the use of nuclear technology in healthcare, agriculture, water resource management, and industrial development.
The discussions also touched on Nigeria’s long-term plan to develop nuclear power infrastructure as part of efforts to diversify the country’s energy mix and promote sustainable economic growth.
Both parties agreed on the need for coordinated diplomatic and technical engagement to advance Nigeria’s nuclear energy ambitions in line with international safety standards and global non-proliferation commitments.
The statement issued by the foreign affairs spokes person Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.