Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology as part of efforts to advance national development and strengthen international cooperation in the global nuclear governance framework.
The Federal Government made this known during a high-level meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Anthony Ekedegwa.
The discussions focused on Nigeria’s role in global nuclear governance, the application of nuclear technology for socio-economic development, and strengthening collaboration between key institutions responsible for the country’s nuclear policy and diplomacy.
Government officials said the renewed commitment reflects Nigeria’s long-standing policy of promoting nuclear science strictly for peaceful purposes while ensuring compliance with global safety and non-proliferation standards.
Peaceful nuclear energy central to Nigeria’s development agenda
Speaking during the meeting, Tuggar emphasised the strategic importance of nuclear technology in modern international relations. According to him, nuclear energy remains an important issue in global conversations on energy security, technological advancement, and international peace.
He explained that although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not directly supervise the nuclear commission, the ministry plays a significant role in representing Nigeria in global nuclear discussions and facilitating engagement with international organisations.
Tuggar noted that stronger collaboration between the ministry and the nuclear commission would help enhance Nigeria’s influence in international nuclear diplomacy, particularly within the United Nations system and other multilateral institutions.
He further reiterated Nigeria’s position on the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology, stressing that the country is committed to leveraging nuclear innovation to address development challenges.
The minister added that nuclear technology could support various sectors of the economy, including healthcare, agriculture, industrial development, and water resource management.
Nigeria’s engagement with global nuclear institutions
During the meeting, Ekedegwa briefed the minister on the ongoing activities and long-term priorities of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission.
He highlighted Nigeria’s continued engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other global institutions responsible for regulating nuclear technology.
According to him, such partnerships are essential for technical cooperation, capacity building, and access to advanced nuclear research and innovation.
Ekedegwa explained that Nigeria has been actively working with international partners to develop local expertise in nuclear science and technology. These collaborations have also contributed to the development of infrastructure and human capacity needed to support the country’s nuclear energy ambitions.
He noted that the peaceful use of nuclear energy has practical applications beyond electricity generation. Nuclear techniques, he said, are already being utilised globally in medicine for cancer treatment, in agriculture for crop improvement, and in water management for monitoring and protecting water resources.
Plans to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix
Another key aspect of the discussions was Nigeria’s long-term plan to incorporate nuclear power into its energy mix.
Officials said the development of nuclear power infrastructure is being considered as part of the country’s broader strategy to diversify energy sources and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Nigeria, like many developing nations, faces growing electricity demand driven by population growth, industrial expansion, and urbanisation. Experts say nuclear energy could provide a reliable and stable source of electricity capable of supporting large-scale economic development.
Both Tuggar and Ekedegwa emphasised that any nuclear energy programme pursued by Nigeria would strictly adhere to international safety standards and global non-proliferation commitments.
They stressed the importance of maintaining transparency and cooperation with global nuclear regulatory bodies to ensure the safe and responsible use of nuclear technology.
Strengthening nuclear diplomacy and institutional cooperation
The meeting also highlighted the importance of coordinated engagement between technical institutions and diplomatic channels in advancing Nigeria’s nuclear ambitions.
Officials noted that international nuclear cooperation requires both scientific expertise and strong diplomatic engagement to navigate regulatory frameworks and global partnerships.
Through closer collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, the government aims to strengthen Nigeria’s voice in global nuclear policy discussions.
Analysts say such cooperation will be crucial as Nigeria continues to pursue technological innovation and sustainable energy solutions while maintaining its commitment to peaceful nuclear energy development.
The renewed focus on nuclear diplomacy also aligns with Nigeria’s broader foreign policy objectives of promoting scientific advancement, energy security, and international cooperation.
As global interest in clean and reliable energy sources continues to grow, Nigerian authorities believe nuclear technology could play a vital role in supporting the country’s long-term development strategy.
