Nigeria has been elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Federal Government views this development as an opportunity to strengthen the country's participation in global nuclear governance and advance its interests in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology. This election reflects Nigeria's commitment to the IAEA's "Atoms for Peace and Development" mandate.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja. Nigeria's Ambassador to the IAEA, Amb. Fatima Florence Ajimobi, and the Embassy of Nigeria in Vienna were commended for their role in this achievement. The position will enable Nigeria to contribute to international cooperation aimed at strengthening the global nuclear governance architecture.
The IAEA was established on July 29, 1957, as the world's central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field. Its principal policy-making bodies are the Board of Governors and the Annual General Conference of Member States. Nigeria became a member of the Agency in 1964 and has continued to participate in its programmes on the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.
Nigeria currently cooperates with the IAEA under the Country Programme Framework (CPF) for the period 2024–2029. The framework focuses on five priority areas: nuclear and radiation safety and security, food and agriculture, health and nutrition, water and the environment, as well as energy planning and development. This cooperation supports Nigeria's broader development objectives through international cooperation in nuclear science, technology, and energy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed confidence that Nigeria's new Governor on the IAEA Board would provide effective representation and engage constructively in policy discussions that advance the Agency's mandate. This engagement will promote Nigeria's nuclear priorities and interests in the international body. The government reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to working with the IAEA, its member states, and other partners to promote nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes.
The federal government said Nigeria would continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening nuclear safety and security while enhancing international cooperation on nuclear energy for global development and shared prosperity. The country also seeks to promote peaceful nuclear applications in areas beyond energy production, including agriculture, healthcare, environmental management, and water resources.
Nigeria's engagement with the IAEA will contribute to the advancement of these areas in line with the country's development priorities. The government expressed its commitment to working with international partners to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy and related fields. This participation will help advance the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology and support international efforts towards sustainable development.
Key points
- Nigeria elected to IAEA Board of Governors to promote peaceful nuclear science and technology.
- Nigeria's participation in IAEA supports its broader development objectives through international cooperation in nuclear science, technology, and energy.
- Nigeria aims to contribute to international cooperation for strengthening global nuclear governance architecture.
