Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The Minister made the pledge when he received in audience the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Engr. Dr. Anthony Inalegwu G. Ekedegwa on Thursday, 5th March 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
According to Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the ministry, the meeting created an avenue for both sides to evaluate Nigeria’s participation in global nuclear governance and explore avenues for promoting collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, particularly in advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear technology for national development.
In his remarks, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar highlighted the strategic essence of atomic energy and nuclear technology in contemporary international relations, noting that nuclear issues remain vital to global deliberations on energy security, technological development, and international peace and security.
He stated that although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not the direct supervisory authority of the Commission, it plays a crucial role in facilitating Nigeria’s engagement with international organizations and multilateral frameworks relating to nuclear governance.
The Honourable Minister further reiterated the need for consistent institutional collaboration and partnership between the Ministry and the Commission in order to strengthen Nigeria’s influence in international nuclear diplomacy, particularly within the United Nations system and related multilateral institutions.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding position in support and solidarity of the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology to promote socio-economic development.
Earlier, Engr. Dr. Ekedegwa expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister for granting the audience and updated him on the activities and objectives of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission. He emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s continued and sustained engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other related global organisations, especially in matters relating to technical cooperation, capacity development, and the application of nuclear technology in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, water resource management, and industrial development.
The meeting further highlighted Nigeria’s long-term interest in the development of nuclear power infrastructure as part of efforts and plans to broaden the nation’s energy mix and promote sustainable economic growth. Both sides acknowledged the importance of coordinated and organized diplomatic and technical engagement in facilitating Nigeria’s nuclear energy aspirations and interests in line with international safety standards and global non-proliferation commitments.
The meeting was finalized with a mutual agreement and commitment to solidify partnership and collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission in advancing Nigeria’s strategic interests in the global nuclear sphere and in harnessing and maximising nuclear science and technology for peaceful and developmental purposes.
