The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has announced its collaboration with the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) to introduce a nuclear reactor for the purpose of generating power. During the 20th-anniversary symposium of Nigeria’s first nuclear research reactor-1 (NNR-1) in Zaria, Yusuf-Aminu Ahmed, the chairman of NAEC, emphasised Nigeria’s strong capabilities in nuclear power. He stated that the country’s accumulated expertise in this field sets the stage for Nigeria to progress to the next level of Power Generation through nuclear technology.
Also, the chairman announced that after years of using the reactor for research and development, the focus will shift towards harnessing its power to generate electricity. President Bola Tinubu has tasked the commission with exploring its potential contributions to clean energy in Nigeria and the role it can play in the country’s nuclear energy program. According to him, the timeline for the project will remain confidential. He also mentioned that the commission collaborates closely with international partners and vendors on this initiative.
A 20-year successful operation of the nuclear research reactor was marked.
Ahmed mentioned that agreements between different governments and vendors regarding nuclear power in Nigeria have been finalised. He hinted that the president would be revealing this news shortly. This collaboration underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing nuclear Technology in Nigeria. By working together with international partners and vendors, Nigeria can leverage their expertise and resources to ensure the successful implementation of a nuclear energy program. This collaboration also highlights the commitment of both organisations to upholding safety standards and best practices in nuclear energy.
During his statement, George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation, highlighted how Nigeria’s dedication to the safe use of nuclear energy is evident through the 20-year successful operation of the nuclear research reactor. Akume emphasised that the operational procedures for a nuclear research reactor are comparable to those needed for constructing a reactor for Electricity production. Tinubu emphasised the importance of incorporating nuclear energy into Nigeria’s electricity sources, urging citizens to anticipate this new power option. He highlighted the cleanliness and safety of nuclear-generated electricity, noting exceptions like human error or natural disasters similar to the one in Hiroshima.
More possibilities will be opened to the country.
Sunday Jonah, the director of CERT, also emphasised the importance of celebrating twenty years of successfully managing and utilising the NNR-1 nuclear research reactor. He did raise some concerns about the NAEC’s plan to gain authority over the centre by passing the NAEC bill of 2022, which would transfer control from the university. According to him, this would go against the beliefs of the founders of the centre, whose goal was to promote a Culture of Innovation and growth within academic institutions.
Furthermore, the introduction of a nuclear reactor for power generation in Nigeria is a significant step towards diversifying the country’s energy sources. As Nigeria continues to face challenges with its current power generation capacity, especially in terms of reliability and sustainability, the incorporation of nuclear energy could provide a reliable and clean alternative to fossil fuels. In addition, the deployment of this initiative for power generation will not only contribute to Nigeria’s energy Security but also create new opportunities for Economic Growth and development.
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Lastly, as Nigeria moves towards harnessing the power of nuclear energy for electricity generation, it is crucial for the government to prioritise public awareness and engagement. Given the concerns and misconceptions surrounding nuclear energy, it is important to educate the public about the benefits, safety measures, and regulations associated with nuclear power. Through transparent communication and community engagement, Nigeria can build trust and acceptance for nuclear energy as a viable and Sustainable Energy source for the future