Nigeria has been elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the 2026–2028 term, strengthening the country’s role in the global body responsible for promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.
The election took place during the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria, held from September 14 to 18, 2026.
Following Nigeria’s election, Ambassador Dr Fatima Florence Ajimobi, Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Austria and the IAEA, has been appointed as Nigeria’s Governor on the Board of Governors.
In the new role, Ajimobi will represent Nigeria at meetings of the Board and its committees, contributing to discussions on the agency’s programmes, nuclear safety and security, safeguards, peaceful applications of nuclear technology and international cooperation.
Nigeria’s membership provides an opportunity for the country to participate more directly in discussions shaping the IAEA’s policies and programmes, particularly as it continues to pursue greater use of nuclear science and technology for development.
The development is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with the agency in areas including healthcare, agriculture, food security, water-resource management and human-capacity development.
The Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority said the country’s delegation to the 2026 IAEA General Conference was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dunoma Umar Ahmed, with Ajimobi and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Dr Anthony Inalegwu Godwin Ekedegwa, among the delegates.
Ajimobi recently formally commenced her diplomatic assignment in Austria after presenting her Letters of Credence to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.
Nigeria’s new position on the IAEA Board comes as the country continues to advance its nuclear development programme and explore the application of nuclear science and technology in sectors relevant to national development.
