African Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Treaty (The Pelindada Treaty): Nigeria Status and the Journey So Far

Abstract

AFRICAN NUCLEAR-WEAPON-FREE-ZONE TREATY (THE PELINDABA TREATY) The objective of this presentation is to give a general overview of the Treaty of Pelindaba, the need for the Treaty and also to access the status of the annex including the role of the African Commission for Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) which was established as a mechanism for compliance with the treaty under article 22 of the Treaty. A nuclear weapon is any explosive device capable of releasing nuclear energy in an uncontrolled manner. A Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) is a specified region in which countries commit themselves not to manufacture, acquire, test, use or possess nuclear weapons within the designated territory. The ultimate goal of NWFZs is to establish the abolishment of nuclear weapons in a certain geographical sphere and to eliminate the danger of being involved in a nuclear war. The African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (The Pelindaba Treaty), was a product of 32-year effort seeking a nuclear weapon-free Africa. In 1961, the UNGA first adopted a resolution, which called upon Member States to consider and respect the continent of Africa as a denuclearized zone. In 1964, at its first Summit in Cairo, Egypt, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) formally stated its desire for a Treaty ensuring the denuclearization of Africa. The role of African Commission on Nuclear Energy are to collate the reports and exchange of information, Reviewing the application to peaceful nuclear activities of Safeguards by IAEA, Encouraging regional and sub-regional programmes for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. The seminar further explains the terms of treaty which is to prohibit research, development, manufacture, stockpiling, acquisition, testing, possession, control, or stationing of nuclear explosive devices by parties to the Treaty, as well as assistance to others in such activities, or seeking or receiving assistance in such activities. Meanwhile treaty of Pelindaba promotes individual and collective use of nuclear science and technology for economic and social development. The seminar concludes that the NNRA is responsible for regulating the safe promotion of nuclear research and development and the application of nuclear energy for peaceful purpose and the authority is to perform all necessary functions to enable Nigeria meet its national and international safeguards and safety obligations in the application of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation. It also recommends that Authority empowered by the ACT, should continue its effort in regulating the safe promotion of nuclear research and development and the application of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, to participate fully in the activities of AFCONE and continue its efforts in providing trainings, information and guidance on nuclear safety and radiation protection. Seminar presented by SOJA REUBEN JOSEPH