Nuclear Energy: Nigeria Reaffirms Peaceful Atomic Ambition, Strengthens Global Engagement By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as part of broader efforts to strengthen energy security, advance technological development and promote sustainable national growth.
In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, ANIPR, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Federal Government said the renewed commitment followed a high-level meeting between the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Engr. Dr. Anthony Inalegwu G. Ekedegwa.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, provided an opportunity for both institutions to review Nigeria’s role in global nuclear governance and explore stronger collaboration in advancing the peaceful application of nuclear technology for national development.
Speaking during the engagement, Tuggar described nuclear technology as an increasingly strategic issue in modern international relations, stressing that discussions around atomic energy now occupy a central place in global debates on energy security, technological innovation and international peace.
He explained that while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not directly supervise the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, it plays a vital diplomatic role in facilitating Nigeria’s engagement with international organisations and multilateral frameworks that shape global nuclear governance.
According to the Minister, stronger institutional coordination between the ministry and the commission would help Nigeria project a clearer voice in international nuclear diplomacy, particularly within the United Nations system and other multilateral platforms that regulate nuclear activities.
Tuggar also reiterated Nigeria’s long-standing position that nuclear science and technology should primarily serve peaceful purposes, especially in driving socio-economic development and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Earlier in his remarks, Ekedegwa briefed the minister on the activities and strategic priorities of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, expressing appreciation for the ministry’s diplomatic support in advancing Nigeria’s nuclear interests internationally.
He highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s continued engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other relevant global institutions, particularly in the areas of technical cooperation, capacity development and knowledge transfer.
According to him, nuclear technology holds enormous potential for Nigeria in critical sectors including healthcare, agriculture, water resource management and industrial development.
The discussions also underscored Nigeria’s long-term interest in developing nuclear power infrastructure as part of ongoing efforts to diversify the country’s energy mix and support sustainable economic growth.
Both sides agreed that closer diplomatic and technical coordination would be essential to advancing Nigeria’s nuclear energy aspirations while maintaining strict compliance with international safety standards and global non-proliferation commitments.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission in order to promote Nigeria’s strategic interests in the global nuclear arena and harness atomic science strictly for peaceful and developmental purposes.
