Why Nigeria Refuses to Back Down on Nuclear Test Ban—Shettima Spills All

Nigeria Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria will never support or engage in nuclear weapons testing or warfare.

He made the vow on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

Shettima stated clearly: “Nuclear war brings no victory only destruction. Africa must focus on poverty and climate, not weapons.”

He emphasized that Nigeria has no reason to dabble in nuclear arms amid urgent local challenges like poverty and ecological crises.

The Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong support for a global ban on nuclear testing, calling it a moral and strategic obligation.

“We are committed to a total nuclear test ban,” Shettima said. “This is non-negotiable.”

He praised CTBTO’s global vigilance, highlighting its successful detection of seven nuclear tests by North Korea.

“We commend your 337 global monitoring stations,” Shettima said. “Your work strengthens peace and disaster preparedness.”

He also lauded the organization’s civilian contributions, including early warning for tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

CTBTO chief Dr. Robert Floyd thanked Nigeria for its commitment and praised its leadership under President Bola Tinubu.

“Nigeria is a key partner,” Floyd said. “Your technical support and strong engagement are vital to our shared mission.”

He noted the lifesaving role of Nigeria’s monitoring infrastructure in disaster response and environmental risk detection.

NAEC Acting Chairman, Engr. Anthony Ekedegwa, said Nigeria’s collaboration with CTBTO has built vital nuclear safety expertise and infrastructure.

NNRA Director General, Dr. Yau Idris, reaffirmed Nigeria’s compliance with international nuclear bans and testing regulations.

Also present were Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Amb. Dunoma Ahmed and CTBTO Senior External Relations Officer Mr. Charles Oko.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NAEC, and NNRA also attended the high-level meeting.

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