Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to the peaceful application of nuclear energy as part of efforts to advance national development and strengthen its role in global nuclear governance.
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, made the reaffirmation while receiving the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Engr. Dr. Anthony Inalegwu G. Ekedegwa, during a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review Nigeria’s participation in international nuclear governance frameworks and explore ways to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and the Commission.
Speaking during the meeting, Tuggar highlighted the strategic importance of atomic energy and nuclear technology in contemporary international relations, noting 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 Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, it plays a vital role in facilitating Nigeria’s engagement with international organisations and multilateral frameworks relating to nuclear governance.
The minister stressed the need for sustained institutional collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s voice in international nuclear diplomacy, particularly within the United Nations system and other multilateral institutions.
Tuggar also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding support for the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology as a tool for socio-economic development.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Ekedegwa, thanked the minister for the audience and briefed him on the activities and priorities of the commission.
He emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s continued engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other global institutions, especially in areas such as technical cooperation, capacity development, and the application of nuclear technology in healthcare, agriculture, water resource management, and industrial development.
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 support sustainable economic growth.
Both parties underscored the importance of coordinated diplomatic and technical engagement in advancing Nigeria’s nuclear energy ambitions while adhering to international safety standards and global non-proliferation commitments.
The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to deepen collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission in promoting Nigeria’s strategic interests in the global nuclear space and harnessing nuclear science and technology strictly for peaceful and developmental purposes.
