At the UN, President Tinubu calls for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, stressing peace, security, and survival depend on global disarmament action.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons, warning that their continued existence threatens humanity’s survival, global peace, and international stability.
Speaking at the United Nations headquarters in New York during the commemoration of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, Tinubu—represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar—reminded world leaders that the event was a call to action, not just a symbolic gathering.
“The catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, whether through deliberate use or accidental detonation, are too severe to ignore,” he said.
“The total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against their use or threat of use.”
As of 2025, independent reports estimate that nearly 12,500 nuclear warheads remain stockpiled worldwide, with the vast majority held by the United States and Russia.
This sobering statistic, Tinubu warned, underscores the urgency of coordinated global disarmament.
He stressed that nuclear weapons pose risks beyond the battlefield. Their destructive potential endangers human health, pollutes the environment, undermines food and water security, and destabilises economies.
Beyond the fear of detonation, their very existence breeds mistrust among nations, stokes geopolitical tensions, and fuels an expensive arms race.
“The longer these weapons remain in existence, the greater the danger for our shared humanity,” he cautioned.
Despite numerous treaties and global conferences, progress on disarmament has remained slow.
Tinubu expressed concern over the lack of political will among nuclear-armed states, many of which continue to invest heavily in modernising their arsenals.
“Nuclear-weapon states must demonstrate sincerity by halting testing, development, and modernisation,” he urged.
“Global nuclear security demands more than words—it requires bold action.”
According to him, inaction by powerful states undermines trust in international institutions and weakens collective resolve.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which rests on three central pillars: disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
He emphasised that universal adherence to the treaty is critical to global stability.
He also praised countries that have ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and encouraged others to follow suit.
Nigeria, he reminded the assembly, played an active role in negotiating the treaty and was among the first signatories.
“The TPNW is a landmark achievement,” he said.
“It reflects the will of the international community to outlaw nuclear weapons once and for all.”
Tinubu highlighted Africa’s decisive stand through the Pelindaba Treaty, which created a nuclear-weapons-free zone across the continent.
The treaty bans the testing, stationing, and use of nuclear explosive devices anywhere in Africa.
This, he argued, demonstrates Africa’s commitment to peace and should inspire other regions that have yet to declare themselves nuclear-free.
“We urge all regions to emulate Africa’s example and strengthen the global push toward disarmament,” he said.
While strongly advocating for disarmament, Tinubu also emphasised the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a tool for development.
He explained that many developing nations, including Nigeria, are already applying nuclear technology in medicine, agriculture, energy, and industry.
“Nigeria underscores the importance of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy,” he said.
“We must ensure strict compliance with international safety standards while advancing nuclear science for the benefit of humanity.”
He stressed that scientific progress must not be overshadowed by destructive ambitions.
According to Tinubu, nuclear disarmament offers immense global benefits. Redirecting resources from maintaining nuclear arsenals could free up trillions of dollars for more urgent challenges such as climate change, poverty reduction, healthcare, and global education.
“The dividends of peace are far greater than the illusion of power these weapons represent,” he said.
“By choosing disarmament, the world chooses survival, stability, and prosperity.”
In his closing remarks, Tinubu reminded the global community that the burden of disarmament cannot rest on a few nations alone.
Since nuclear conflict or accidents would have cross-border consequences, every member state shares responsibility for ensuring security.
“Member states must demonstrate courage, sincerity, and unity,” he declared.
“While solutions may not come easily, we must remain resolutely focused on the total elimination of nuclear weapons. History will judge our generation not by the words we speak, but by the actions we take.”
Nigeria’s leadership in disarmament advocacy is grounded in its foreign policy of promoting peace and security, particularly across Africa.
As an active member of the Non-Aligned Movement and a consistent voice in disarmament negotiations, Nigeria continues to play a vital role in shaping international security debates.
By calling again for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to stand with nations working for a safer, nuclear-free world.
The message from New York is clear: the survival of humanity cannot coexist with nuclear weapons. Tinubu’s call highlights both the urgency of the present and the opportunities of the future.
If world leaders act with sincerity and unity, the dream of disarmament can shift from aspiration to achievement.
The total elimination of nuclear weapons is not simply a political goal—it is a moral necessity and the ultimate safeguard for humanity’s survival.
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