Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the global ban on nuclear weapon testing, affirming that the country’s priorities lie in addressing pressing socio-economic challenges.
Speaking during a meeting at the Presidential Villa with a delegation from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), led by its Executive Secretary, Dr Robert Floyd, Shettima emphasised that Nigeria, like many African nations, is focused on combating poverty and the effects of climate change rather than developing nuclear capabilities.
“Our continent’s priority is survival—dealing with poverty and climate threats, not stockpiling weapons of mass destruction,” the Vice President stated.
Shettima also lauded CTBTO’s broader contributions to civilian safety, including the detection of tsunamis and seismic activities, which he said supports global ecological stability.
In response, Dr Floyd praised Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Tinubu for reinforcing the global commitment to ending nuclear testing and establishing strong international norms. He described Nigeria’s collaboration with CTBTO as a “natural partnership,” underscoring the country’s critical role in promoting peace and global security.