Buhari faults slow pace of nuclear disarmament

President Muhammadu Buhari has faulted the slow pace of progress by nuclear-weapon states towards achieving the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals.

Buhari spoke in New York at an occasion to commemorate and promote the international day for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

The President also reminded the world of its shared responsibility and collective resolve in the pursuit of peace, justice, prosperity and equal opportunities for all humanity.

Urging for complete denuclearization in accordance with legal obligations and undertakings under Article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Buhari said: “In this regard, we stress that the universalization of the Non-Proliferation Treaty is dependent upon strict compliance with its three pillars: disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.”

Buhari, who was represented by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, observed that over seven decades have passed since the world witnessed the first ever devastating and catastrophic impact of the use of nuclear weapons.

He said “Yet today, the pains afflicted by that singular act continue to be borne by not only the direct victims of that attack, but also by many all around the world.”

He also noted that the continued existence of nuclear weapons remains an existential threat to all humankind.

“The cost of maintenance and modernization of these weapons are both outrageous and inexcusable when compared to resources allocated by States for more useful and productive ventures that could further the growth and peaceful development of societies.

“My delegation reiterates the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that could result from either a deliberate use and/or unintentional explosion of nuclear weapons.

“It is in this light that Nigeria calls on all States, particularly nuclear weapons States, to take into consideration, the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use of these weapons on human health, the environment and vital economic resources among others, and to take necessary measures aimed at the dismantling and renunciation of these weapons.

“Nuclear weapons remain the ultimate agents of mass destruction, and their total elimination should be the final objective of all disarmament processes within the broad spectrum of goals being pursued by the United Nations.

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“To this end, my delegation heartily recalls the adoption of the landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which opened for signature on 20 September 2017.

“My delegation remains proud to have participated actively in the processes leading to its adoption, as well as being one of the first countries to sign it.

“Our commitment was guided by Nigeria’s principled position on the denuclearization of the world.

“In Africa, we have long acknowledged the existential threat posed to human existence by nuclear tests. It was to this end that African countries collectively adopted the Pelindaba Treaty renouncing the acquisition of nuclear weapons for military purposes, as well as declaring Africa as a nuclear-weapons-free zone to serve as a shield for the African territory, by, inter-alia, preventing the stationing of nuclear explosive devices on the continent and prohibiting the testing of those weapons in the entire space that constitutes the African continent.” he said

The President commended the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its role in monitoring and inspecting nuclear facilities.

He urged states to ensure compliance with IAEA safeguards and standards at all times

“While there are no easy solutions when we confront the gravest existential threat to our survival as a human race, we must remain undeterred and committed to a world of safety and security, one without the dangers posed by Nuclear Weapons,” he stated.