President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed Nigeria’s full commitment to harness nuclear energy and technology for socio-economic development.
In his statement to the third global security summit which opened at The Hague, Netherlands, Jonathan reaffirmed the country’s full commitment to the global fight against the threat of nuclear terrorism.
He said Nigeria would continue to support all efforts against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons and ensure that the world respects the right of countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy for development purposes.
He said: “As a developing country, Nigeria needs to harness nuclear technology for socio-economic development. It is for this reason we subscribe to the view that international and regional cooperation efforts should be based on the principle of maintaining a balance between nuclear non-proliferation obligations and the inalienable right of States to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy for development purposes. While this is important, we would also like to draw attention to the need to maintain the highest standards of nuclear safety and security in establishing peaceful nuclear facilities.”
He said in keeping with Nigeria’s commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the peaceful use of nuclear technology, the federal government has submitted an executive bill to the National Assembly to accommodate the country’s obligations under international treaties on nuclear safety and security.
“Nigeria’s ratification of some international treaties and conventions in the realm of nuclear safety, security and safeguards has necessitated the review of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority Act resulting in the recent decision of the Government to submit a new Bill to Parliament for consideration and passage into law in order to accommodate our obligations under these instruments.”
He commended the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, for establishing a Group of Governmental Experts which would begin work in Geneva next week on the proposal.
The president also commended the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Mark Rutte, for hosting the summit and commended President Barack Obama who was present at the opening ceremony “for his continued leadership of this important project.”
