The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned that the continued existence of nuclear weapons remains a threat to all mankind.

The FG made the assertion in a statement issued by Faisal Ibrahim, the First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations General Debate of the 2018 Substantive Session of the UN Disarmament Commission.

“The cost of maintenance and modernization of these weapons are both outrageous and inexcusable, when compared to resources allocated by states for more useful and productive ventures.

“These more useful and productive ventures could further the growth, development, prosperity and other peaceful and positive articulation of human endeavours,” the statement said.

The statement also highlighted the 1996 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which affirmed that the threat or use of nuclear weapons constituted a crime against humanity.

It stressed that the ICJ’s opinion further affirmed that the threat or use of nuclear weapons constituted a violation of international law, including international humanitarian law.

“Nuclear weapons still remain the ultimate agents of mass destruction and their total elimination should be the final objective of all disarmament processes within the broad spectrum of goals being pursued by the United Nations.

“To this end, my delegation heartily welcomes the adoption of the landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons which opened for signature on 20 September, 2017.

“My delegation remains proud to have participated actively in the processes leading to its adoption, as well as being one of the first continues to sign the Treaty. Our commitment was guided by Nigeria’s principled position on the denuclearization of the world,” the statement added.