The Federal Government of Nigeria has been elected to the 35-member Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the 2026-2028 term. This development was announced by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday. Dr. Fatima Florence Ajimobi, Nigeria's Ambassador to Austria and Resident Representative to the IAEA, was appointed as a Governor on the Board. Nigeria's election to the Board was confirmed during the Seventh Plenary Session of the 70th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria.
Nigeria was elected alongside ten other new members of the Board, including Angola, Brazil, Greece, Honduras, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Slovakia, and Sweden. The new composition of the Board for the 2026-2027 period comprises 35 members, including Nigeria. The Board members will serve alongside existing members such as Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, and India. The IAEA General Conference is a premier event that brings together representatives from IAEA member states to discuss issues related to nuclear energy, safety, and security.
Nigeria's election to the Board comes at a crucial time when nuclear safety, security, and safeguards are prominent in global discourses on the application of nuclear science and technology for peaceful and developmental purposes. The use of nuclear technology has numerous benefits, particularly in healthcare, energy, agriculture, food security, water-resource management, and environmental sustainability. Nigeria's membership in the Board provides an opportunity for the country to contribute to the enhancement of international cooperation for the strengthening of global nuclear governance architecture.
The Federal Government considers Nigeria's election a recognition of its commitment to advancing the 'Atoms for Peace and Development' mandate of IAEA. This mandate aims to promote the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, while ensuring the safety and security of nuclear materials and facilities. Nigeria's election to the Board is also seen as an opportunity for the country to contribute to global efforts to strengthen nuclear governance and promote international cooperation.
Nigeria will serve on the Board for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 periods. During its tenure, Nigeria will work closely with other Board members to address global challenges related to nuclear energy, safety, and security. The country's participation in the Board is expected to enhance its capacity to promote the use of nuclear technology for developmental purposes, while ensuring the safety and security of nuclear materials and facilities.
The IAEA Board of Governors plays a crucial role in promoting the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The Board is responsible for making decisions on IAEA's policies and activities, including the approval of technical cooperation projects and the promotion of nuclear safety and security. Nigeria's membership in the Board provides an opportunity for the country to contribute to these efforts and promote its interests in the use of nuclear technology for developmental purposes.
Nigeria's election to the IAEA Board of Governors is a significant development that reflects the country's growing role in international affairs. The country's participation in the Board is expected to enhance its capacity to promote the use of nuclear technology for developmental purposes, while ensuring the safety and security of nuclear materials and facilities. This development is also expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria's economy and society.
Key points
- Nigeria elected to 35-member IAEA Board of Governors for 2026-2028 term
- Nigeria's election to the Board comes at a crucial time when nuclear safety, security, and safeguards are prominent in global discourses
- Nigeria will serve on the Board for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 periods
