Nigeria has been elected to the 35-member Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the 2026–2028 term, with Ambassador Dr Fatima Florence Ajimobi appointed as the country’s Governor on the board.
The election was held on September 17, 2026, during the seventh plenary session of the 70th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Monday.
The ministry said Nigeria was elected alongside Angola, Brazil, Greece, Honduras, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Slovakia and Sweden.
Ajimobi, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the IAEA, will represent the country on the agency’s Board of Governors.
The Federal Government described Nigeria’s election as recognition of the country’s commitment to the IAEA’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” mandate.
It said the new position would also provide Nigeria with an opportunity to contribute to international cooperation on nuclear governance and promote the country’s interests in the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.
The government said nuclear safety, security and safeguards had become increasingly important in global discussions, particularly as nuclear science and technology are applied in healthcare, energy, agriculture, food security, water-resource management and environmental sustainability.
It expressed confidence that Ajimobi would provide effective representation for Nigeria and engage constructively in policy discussions aimed at advancing the IAEA’s mandate and the country’s nuclear priorities.
Nigeria will serve on the Board during the 2026–2027 period and retain its membership for the 2027–2028 period.
The Board of Governors is one of the IAEA’s two policymaking bodies, alongside the General Conference of the agency’s member states. The Board considers the agency’s programmes and budget and makes recommendations on key policy matters.
Nigeria’s election comes as the country continues its cooperation with the IAEA under its Country Programme Framework for 2024–2029.
The framework identifies five priority areas: nuclear and radiation safety and security; food and agriculture; health and nutrition; water and the environment; and energy planning and development.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commended Ajimobi and the Nigerian Embassy in Vienna for what it described as the milestone.
Nigeria, the ministry said, remains committed to working with the IAEA, its member states and other partners to promote the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, strengthen nuclear safety and security, and support global development.
The IAEA was established in 1957 and serves as the international forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
