President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the United Nations Security Council to demonstrate stronger leadership in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter by imposing stiff sanctions against the spread of weapons of mass destruction and by taking concrete steps towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons across the world.

The President made the call through Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, who represented the country at a high-level international gathering in New York. Tinubu stressed that the world can no longer afford to treat the issue of nuclear proliferation with levity, given the grave danger it poses to global peace, security and human survival.

According to the President, Nigeria’s national security architecture is not built on the possession or threat of nuclear weapons, adding that the country has no desire to join the league of nuclear-armed states. He noted that Nigeria is not among the nations currently in possession of the estimated 12,187 nuclear warheads that exist globally, and has no ambition to acquire them in the future.

President Tinubu’s message was delivered at a high-level plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly convened to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. The meeting, which attracted world leaders, diplomats and disarmament advocates, provided a platform for member states to reaffirm their commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons.

Speaking on behalf of Nigeria, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim said the Federal Government remains firmly committed to the principles of disarmament and non-proliferation, and believes that the elimination of nuclear weapons remains the highest disarmament priority of the United Nations. He said Nigeria views a nuclear-free world as essential for sustainable peace and development.

The Ambassador explained that Nigeria does not support the production, stockpiling or proliferation of nuclear weapons in any form, and has consistently maintained this position at various international fora. He said the country is a signatory to several international treaties and conventions that prohibit the development and use of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

He stressed that the continued existence of thousands of nuclear warheads in the arsenals of some powerful nations constitutes a serious threat to humanity, as their accidental or deliberate use could lead to catastrophic consequences that would affect not only the warring parties but the entire world. He warned that the humanitarian impact of any nuclear conflict would be unimaginable and irreversible.

President Tinubu, through his representative, urged member states of the UN Security Council to live up to their responsibilities as custodians of global peace and security by ensuring strict enforcement of the UN Charter. He said the Council must be more proactive in imposing sanctions and other punitive measures against countries and non-state actors involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The President argued that selective application of international laws and double standards in dealing with nuclear proliferation undermines the credibility of the United Nations and encourages defiance by some states. He therefore called for fairness, consistency and firmness in the enforcement of resolutions relating to disarmament and non-proliferation.

Tinubu also emphasised the need for greater international cooperation and dialogue in advancing the cause of nuclear disarmament, noting that no single country can achieve a nuclear-free world alone. He said Nigeria is ready to work with other like-minded nations, international organisations and civil society groups to push for the total elimination of nuclear weapons and to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Ambassador Ibrahim told the plenary that Nigeria has over the years demonstrated its commitment to global peace through its active participation in UN peacekeeping operations, its contributions to regional stability in Africa and its consistent advocacy for disarmament at the continental and global levels. He said the country’s foreign policy is anchored on the promotion of peace, mutual respect and cooperation among nations.

He recalled that Nigeria played a key role in the adoption of the Treaty of Pelindaba, which declared Africa a nuclear-weapon-free zone, and has continued to champion the full implementation of the treaty. He said Africa’s position as a nuclear-free continent must be protected and strengthened through collective action by African Union member states and support from the international community.

The Nigerian envoy further stated that resources being expended on the development and maintenance of nuclear arsenals by some countries could be better channelled towards addressing pressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, climate change, health pandemics and underdevelopment, particularly in developing countries. He described the huge spending on nuclear weapons as wasteful and morally unjustifiable.

He also called on nuclear-weapon states to fulfil their obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, NPT, by taking concrete steps towards nuclear disarmament, including reducing their stockpiles and refraining from developing new types of nuclear weapons. He said genuine progress towards disarmament would build trust and encourage non-nuclear states to remain committed to non-proliferation.

According to Ibrahim, Nigeria believes that the path to lasting global security lies not in the accumulation of weapons of mass destruction but in dialogue, diplomacy, respect for international law and commitment to justice and equity. He urged world powers to embrace these principles and work towards building a more secure and peaceful world for present and future generations.

The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, which is marked annually, was established by the UN General Assembly to raise public awareness about the threat posed by nuclear weapons and the urgent need for their total elimination. The day provides an opportunity for world leaders to renew their commitment to disarmament and to educate the public on the dangers of nuclear weapons.

At this year’s commemoration, several other world leaders and representatives also called for renewed efforts towards nuclear disarmament, expressing concern over rising geopolitical tensions, modernisation of nuclear arsenals and threats of nuclear use. They warned that the world is facing one of the most dangerous periods in recent history and that complacency must be avoided.

Nigeria’s statement at the plenary was widely commended by disarmament advocates and some member states, who described it as a strong and principled position that reflects the country’s long-standing commitment to global peace and security. Many agreed that the UN Security Council must take more decisive action to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to advance the goal of total elimination.

As the plenary ended, there were renewed calls for the United Nations to intensify its disarmament education programmes, strengthen verification mechanisms and ensure that international treaties on non-proliferation are universally respected and implemented. Delegates agreed that achieving a world free of nuclear weapons will require political will, mutual trust and sustained engagement by all member states, particularly the nuclear-armed powers.