President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday made a case for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
He said nuclear weapons remained the ultimate agents of mass destruction, and their total elimination should be the final objective of all disarmament processes.
Buhari, who was represented by the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, spoke at an event to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons held in New York.
He said, “My delegation reiterates the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that could result from either a deliberate use and/or unintentional explosion of nuclear weapons.
“It is in this light that Nigeria calls on all states, particularly nuclear weapons states, to take into consideration, the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use of these weapons on human health, the environment and vital economic resources among others, and to take necessary measures aimed at the dismantling and renunciation of these weapons.
“Nuclear weapons remain the ultimate agents of mass destruction, and their total elimination should be the final objective of all disarmament processes within the broad spectrum of goals being pursued by the United Nations.
“To this end, my delegation heartily recalls the adoption of the landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which opened for signature on 20 September 2017.
“My delegation remains proud to have participated actively in the processes leading to its adoption, as well as being one of the first countries to sign it.
“Our commitment was guided by Nigeria’s principled position on the denuclearisation of the world.”
The President said Africa had long acknowledged the threat posed to human existence by nuclear tests.
He said it was to this end that African countries collectively adopted the Pelindaba Treaty renouncing the acquisition of nuclear weapons for military purposes, as well as declaring Africa as a nuclear-weapons-free zone to serve as a shield for the African territory.
Buhari commended the International Atomic Energy Agency for its role in monitoring and inspecting nuclear facilities as he urged States to ensure compliance with IAEA safeguards and standards at all times
“While there are no easy solutions when we confront the gravest existential threat to our survival as a human race, we must remain undeterred and committed to a world of safety and security, one without the dangers posed by nuclear weapons,” he said.
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