The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the application of nuclear technology to support national development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, stated this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Anthony Ekedegwa, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the meeting reviewed Nigeria’s participation in global nuclear governance and explored ways of strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the commission.
Tuggar highlighted the strategic importance of atomic energy and nuclear technology in modern international relations. He noted that nuclear issues remain central to global discussions on energy security, technological advancement, and international peace and security.
He explained that although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not directly supervise the commission, it plays a key role in facilitating Nigeria’s engagement with international organisations and multilateral frameworks related to nuclear governance.
The minister also emphasised the need for sustained institutional collaboration between the ministry and the commission to strengthen Nigeria’s voice in international nuclear diplomacy, particularly within the United Nations system and other multilateral institutions.
Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding position in support of the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology to advance socio-economic development.
Earlier, Ekedegwa thanked the minister for the meeting and briefed him on the activities and priorities of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission.
He stressed the importance of Nigeria’s continued engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international bodies. He noted that such cooperation is crucial in areas including technical support, capacity development, and the use of nuclear technology in healthcare, agriculture, water resource management, and industrial development.
The discussions also highlighted Nigeria’s long-term interest in developing nuclear power infrastructure as part of efforts to diversify the country’s energy mix and promote sustainable economic growth.
Both sides underscored the importance of coordinated diplomatic and technical engagement to advance Nigeria’s nuclear energy goals while adhering to international safety standards and global non-proliferation commitments.
