Florence Ajimobi Appointed Nigeria’s Governor on IAEA Board

Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Austria and the International Atomic Energy Agency, Dr Florence Ajimobi, has been appointed the country’s Governor on the IAEA Board of Governors for the 2026–2028 term.

Her appointment followed Nigeria’s election to the 35-member Board during the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria.

As Governor representing Nigeria, Ajimobi will participate in deliberations on the agency’s programmes, nuclear safety and security, safeguards, peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, and international cooperation.

She will also articulate and advance Nigeria’s positions during meetings of the Board and its committees, contributing to discussions on the policy direction and activities of the agency.

The appointment places Ajimobi at the centre of Nigeria’s engagement with one of the IAEA’s principal policy-making organs and gives the country a platform to contribute to global nuclear governance.

Nigeria’s election to the Board is also expected to strengthen its longstanding engagement with the IAEA and deepen international cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.

The technology has applications in several sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, food security, water-resource management and human-capacity development.

Ajimobi, who is also Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Austria and Permanent Representative to other international organisations in Vienna, is expected to use the assignment to advance Nigeria’s interests within the agency.

Her role comes as Nigeria continues to pursue international partnerships aimed at expanding the responsible application of nuclear science and technology to support national development.

The IAEA Board of Governors is one of the agency’s principal policy-making bodies. It considers the agency’s programmes and budget, makes recommendations on applications for membership and approves agreements relating to safeguards.

Nigeria’s representation on the Board provides an opportunity for the country to engage directly in discussions affecting nuclear safety, security and safeguards, while also promoting cooperation in peaceful applications.

Ajimobi’s appointment follows her assumption of diplomatic duties in Vienna earlier this year. She was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to international organisations based in Vienna.

She presented her credentials as part of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Austria and multilateral institutions in the city.

The 2026–2028 assignment will add a multilateral policy responsibility to her existing diplomatic role and strengthen Nigeria’s voice in nuclear diplomacy.