Nigeria reaffirms commitment to peaceful use of nuclear energy

Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to the peaceful application of nuclear energy, as the Federal Government explores broader cooperation to harness nuclear technology for national development and energy diversification.

Yusuf  Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while receiving Anthony Ekedegwa,  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC),  during a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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According to a statement by Kimiebi  Ebienfa, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, the meeting reviewed Nigeria’s engagement in global nuclear governance and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the ministry and NAEC in advancing the peaceful use of nuclear technology to support national development goals.

Speaking during the meeting, Tuggar described nuclear science and technology as increasingly central to global discussions on energy security, technological advancement, and international peace and security.

He noted that although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not directly supervise NAEC, it plays a critical role in facilitating Nigeria’s participation in international institutions and multilateral frameworks that govern nuclear activities worldwide.

“Closer collaboration between the ministry and the commission is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s voice in international nuclear diplomacy, particularly within the United Nations system and related multilateral platforms”, the Minister said.

Tuggar also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding support for the peaceful use of nuclear technology, stressing that the country remains committed to applying nuclear science in ways that promote socio-economic development.

Earlier, Ekedegwa thanked the minister for the audience and briefed him on the activities and priorities of NAEC, including ongoing engagements with international nuclear institutions.

He emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s continued cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), particularly in areas such as technical cooperation, capacity building, and the application of nuclear technology in key sectors of the economy.

The NAEC chief highlighted the growing relevance of nuclear science in areas including healthcare, agriculture, water resource management, and industrial development.

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Discussions also touched on Nigeria’s long-term plans to develop nuclear power infrastructure as part of broader efforts to diversify the country’s energy mix and support sustainable economic growth.

The statement noted that both parties agreed that coordinated diplomatic and technical engagement would be critical in advancing Nigeria’s nuclear energy ambitions while ensuring compliance with international safety standards and global non-proliferation commitments.