Nigeria Committed To Pelindaba Treaty – Defense Minister
By Lynn Adda
The Minister of Defence, Hon Mohammed Abubakar Badaru has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the implementation of the Treaty of Pelindaba, saying that Africa as a nuclear weapon-free zone is a
gift to this generation and the unborn generation.
The Minister stated this during a high-level meeting of the Launching of Friends of Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty hosted by Japan’s Prime Minister, Mr. Kishida at the United Nations General Assembly 79, in New York, USA.
Nigeria joined other countries of like minds at the meeting to Launch a campaign for a Treaty that prohibits the production of Fissile material for Nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices by limiting the quantitative improvement of nuclear weapons.
According to the Minister, Nigeria and the entire African Continent shall remain committed to the Treaty of PELINDABA, declaring Africa as a Nuclear weapon free-zone.
Nigeria, he said is playing a leading advocacy role for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, saying the country would continue to actively participate in initiatives to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime and the proposed Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) aimed at prohibiting the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and other explosive devices.
Hon Badaru stressed that strengthening NPT FMCT will enhance transparency and cooperation between nuclear and non-nuclear states that will enhance a peaceful nuclear energy.
While calling for support from the entire African continent to the Fissile Material cut off Treaty (FMCT) initiative, the Minister appreciated all friends of FMCT and Civil Society organizations for their dedication and hard work towards the realization of this laudable enterprise.
He added that NPT remained the cornerstone on nuclear disarmament, while FMCT if adopted will strengthen nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty ( NPT), urging all stakeholders to support this noble endeavour.
This information is contained in a Press Release signed by Mallam Mati Ali, Personal Assistant to the Defense Minister on Media and Publicity and made available to newsmen.
