By Mercy Peter
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as part of broader efforts to advance national development, strengthen energy security, and deepen international cooperation in nuclear governance.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Anthony Inalegwu G. Ekedegwa, on Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to review Nigeria’s participation in global nuclear governance and explore ways to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the commission in advancing the peaceful application of nuclear technology for national development.
Speaking during the meeting, Tuggar underscored the strategic importance of atomic energy and nuclear technology in contemporary international relations, noting that nuclear-related 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 atomic energy commission, it plays a crucial diplomatic role in facilitating Nigeria’s engagement with international organisations and multilateral frameworks involved in nuclear governance.
The minister stressed the importance of 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 also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding support for the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology, emphasizing that such technologies could significantly contribute to socio-economic development across key sectors of the economy.
Earlier, Ekedegwa expressed appreciation to the minister for the audience and briefed him on the activities, priorities, and ongoing programmes of the commission. He highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s continued engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, especially in areas such as technical cooperation, capacity development, and the deployment of nuclear technology in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, water resource management, and industrial development.
Discussions during the meeting also focused on 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 sides acknowledged the need for coordinated diplomatic and technical engagement to advance Nigeria’s nuclear energy ambitions while ensuring compliance with international safety standards and global non-proliferation commitments.
