Nigeria has re-affirmed its commitment to global nuclear disarmament and called for immediate action to commence negotiations on a fissile material cut-off treaty (fmct).
Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar made the call at the first ministerial meeting of the “Friends of an FMCT” convened by Japan, on the sidelines of the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar urged the international community to translate rhetoric into action, particularly as this year marks the eightieth anniversary of Hiroshima and Negasaki.
“Closing the fissile material gap is the most realistic way to stop an uncontrolled arms race”
“The FMCT will rebuild trust, strengthen the non-proliferation treaty and give momentum back to disarmament”
“The memory of Hiroshima and Negasaki compels us to act with courage, and the survival of humanity demands it”
The Minister called for Africa’s leadership on nuclear restraint through the treaty of Pelindaba, which established a nuclear-weapon-free zone across the continent to guide global action.
He outlined three immediate measures to accelerate progress towards an FMCT to include, a global moratorium on the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons, the dismantling or conversion of existing facilities to peaceful uses and using these interim measures to build political momentum towards universal, verifiable and non-discriminatory treaty.
A statement by the Minister’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity Mati Ali, Nigeria’s statement signals a transition from participation to leadership in global disarmament efforts and positions the country as a bridge-builder that seeks to align regional achievements and global policy for a safer world.
PR/Usman Sani.
