Nigerian doctors praise Nigeria for signing, ratifying the Arms Trade Treaty

Dr. Omolade Oladejo, IPPNW Nigeria, addresses delegates to the UN ATT 4th Prepcom, while Chairman Moritan (L) looks on.

Yesterday, on August 12th, Nigeria became the 82nd UN Member State to sign the Arms Trade Treaty, and the 3rd to ratify the landmark agreement. Foreign Minister Dr. Olugbenga Ashiru signed and deposited Nigeria’s instrument of ratification at the UN in New York.

IPPNW Nigeria’s Dr. Ogebe Onazi moderates an ATT panel sponsored by the Nigerian Mission to the UN. IPPNW US affiliate PSR’s President Dr. Andrew Kanter speaks about the human cost of the arms trade in Africa.

“By signing and ratifying the ATT, Nigeria has solidified her role as a continental peace keeper, intent on addressing the problem of arms at its root. Dr Olugbenga Ashiru’s camaraderie towards the NGO community is commendable, and exemplifies the kind of partnership that must be forged to conquer arms. We, the members of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War in Nigeria, have pitched into efforts towards an ATT in coalition with Control Arms, and congratulate all other NGOs that have worked tirelessly to give the ATT the visibility it deserves. This is a proud moment indeed!” said Dr. Omolade Oladejo, who spoke for SNDWM about the Nigerian ATT ratification.

Many members of IPPNW’s Nigerian affiliate, the Society of Nigerian Doctors for the Welfare of Mankind (SNDWM), have been active in working toward passage of a strong and humanitarian-based ATT. They have held events in Nigeria, met with government delegates, spoken at United Nations events, and even served on the official Nigerian delegation. The Mission of Nigeria to the UN sponsored a panel presentation organized by IPPNW entitled “Framework on Global Health and the ATT” at the July 2012 ATT prepCom.

Dr. Adebayo Owoeye speaks about how the arms trade is contributing to terrorism in Nigeria at a panel hosted by the Nigerian Mission to the UN (speaker Dr. Cathey Falvo is at left).