Nigeria has become the 116th country to endorse the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI).
In a statement released by the United States on Monday while welcoming the endorsement, looked forward to working with Government of Nigeria to advance the counterproliferation goals of the PSI and its Statement of Interdiction Principles.Countries that endorse this initiative share a commitment to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), the delivery systems, and related materials to state and non-state actors of concern.
United States said expanding PSI’s participation worldwide is critical to its safety as this improves individual and collective efforts to develop capabilities needed to interdict WMD-related transfers that threaten the security.“The initiative continued growth through consistent and determined engagement, highlights America’s leadership on the world stage.
“PSI’s core objective – to prevent the transfer of WMD – reduces the likelihood these weapons will be used, ensuring continued American prosperity.
Launched in Krakow, Poland, in 2003, the PSI celebrated its 20th Anniversary in May 2023. States become part of the PSI by publicly endorsing PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles, making voluntary political commitments to impede.
And stop shipments of illicit WMD, delivery systems, and related materials flowing to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern.
PSI-endorsing States also adopt streamlined procedures for rapid information exchange and strengthen relevant national and international laws and frameworks.