The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has unveiled plans to collaborate with the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to harness nuclear science and technology to bolster electricity production in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 20th Anniversary Symposium of Nigeria’s inaugural Nuclear Research Reactor-1 (NNR-1) in Zaria, Prof. Yusuf-Aminu Ahmed, Chairman of NAEC, revealed the commission’s intention to leverage the expertise garnered over the years in nuclear power. He emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to advance to the next phase of power generation utilizing nuclear reactors.
Ahmed highlighted, “We have extensively utilized the reactor for research and development purposes, and now we are poised to employ it for electricity generation. President Bola Tinubu has already tasked the commission with contributing to Nigeria’s clean energy initiatives, and Nigeria’s nuclear energy program will be actively involved.”
Although the timeline for the project remains undisclosed, Ahmed affirmed that international partners and vendors are collaborating closely with the commission. He further mentioned that some vendors have reached intergovernmental agreements regarding Nigeria’s nuclear power ambitions, with President Tinubu expected to make announcements soon.
Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, commended the 20 years of safe operation of the nuclear research reactor, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to the safe utilization of nuclear energy. Represented by Prof. Bolaji Babatunde, his Special Assistant on Technical Issues, Akume suggested that since the centre has demonstrated the safe operation of the reactor, it is feasible to explore a nuclear reactor for electricity generation.
Highlighting the significance of nuclear energy for power generation, Akume reiterated President Tinubu’s endorsement of nuclear energy as a clean and safe electricity source, barring human errors or natural calamities.
Prof. Sunday Jonah, the centre’s director, emphasized the milestone of 20 years of safe operation, maintenance, and utilization of the NNR-1. However, he expressed concerns about the proposed NAEC Bill 2022, alleging attempts by NAEC to take control of the centre from the university. Jonah argued that such a move would contradict the vision of the centre’s founding fathers, who established it within universities to foster a research and development culture.
