Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Nigeria’s Diplomatic Role in the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty

This study examines Nigeria's role in the implementation and promotion of the Treaty of Pelindaba, which established Africa as a nuclear-weapon-free zone, and assesses the extent to which Nigerian diplomacy has contributed to nuclear non-proliferation objectives on the continent. Nigeria, as a signatory to both the Treaty of Pelindaba and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, has a formal commitment to preventing the spread of nuclear weapons in Africa. Drawing on regime theory and constructivist perspectives on norm diffusion, this research traces Nigeria's diplomatic engagement with nuclear governance institutions from 2019 to 2024, including its participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency and the African Commission on Nuclear Energy. The study adopts a qualitative approach, relying on treaty documentation, IAEA reports, Nigerian diplomatic records, and academic literature. The analysis focuses particularly on Nigeria's advocacy positions in multilateral forums and its bilateral engagement with states perceived to pose proliferation risks. It is anticipated that findings will show Nigeria maintains an active posture in nuclear diplomacy, leveraging its continental influence to promote compliance with non-proliferation norms, though domestic capacity to engage technically on nuclear governance issues remains limited. Recommendations are provided for building Nigeria's specialist expertise in nuclear diplomacy. Keywords: nuclear non-proliferation, Treaty of Pelindaba, Nigeria, African diplomacy, arms control.