The Federal Government has decided to fully explore nuclear energy for power generation.
The government says it is prepared to harness nuclear energy resources for the generation of electricity which will contribute to the country’s energy security through an appropriate energy mix.
Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Sen. Adeleke Mamora, said two potential sites for Nigeria’s Nuclear Power Plant have been identified and necessary processes are being undertaken.
He said this at the Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century in Washington DC.
Mamora in his speech at the conference stated: “Like most other nations in the continent, Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people, has a serious energy supply deficit, making it compelling for the government to critically look towards other energy options that are affordable, more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“Consequently, Nigeria has decided to fully explore and harness nuclear energy resources for the generation of electricity which will contribute to the country’s energy security through an appropriate energy mix. In this regard, Nigeria is currently engaged in discussions with some countries and vendors for our nuclear power project. Two potential sites for Nigeria’s Nuclear Power Plant have been identified and necessary processes are being undertaken under the Integrated Nuclear Power Programme of Nigeria with the IAEA.
“In furtherance to this unwavering commitment to energy mix through the acquisition of nuclear power, the Federal Government of Nigeria has activated the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) as the National focal Agency charged with the responsibility of developing the framework and technical pathway to explore, exploit and harness atomic energy for peaceful applications for the socio-economic development of our country.
“In like manner, Nigeria has also established the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority as an independent agency of government to ensure the safety of humans and the protection of the environment in the process of development, deployment, and use of nuclear power.”
