The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), in partnership with the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, plans to utilize nuclear science and technology to enhance electricity generation in Nigeria.
Prof. Yusuf-Aminu Ahmed, Chairman of NAEC, revealed this information at the 20th Anniversary Symposium of Nigeria’s first Nuclear Research Reactor-1 (NNR-1) held in Zaria on Thursday.
According to Ahmed, the accumulated experience in nuclear power at the center positions Nigeria to advance to the next stage of power generation using the nuclear reactor.
“The reactor has been instrumental for research and development over the years, and we are now set to employ it for electricity generation,” he stated.
President Bola Tinubu has tasked the commission with exploring how it can contribute to Nigeria’s clean energy sector, and the nuclear energy program is expected to play a role, Ahmed added.
He clarified that the project timeline would not be publicly disclosed; however, Ahmed noted that international partners and vendors were actively collaborating with the commission on the project.
Furthermore, he mentioned that intergovernmental agreements with some vendors regarding nuclear power in Nigeria had been signed, and an announcement from President Tinubu was anticipated shortly.
Previously, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, remarked that the two decades of safe operation of the nuclear research reactor signified Nigeria’s commitment to the safe use of nuclear energy.
Represented by Prof. Bolaji Babatunde, his Special Assistant on Technical Issues, Akume stated that the centre’s successful 20-year management of the nuclear research reactor positions it to acquire a nuclear reactor for power generation.
He asserted that the procedure for obtaining a reactor for electricity production is akin to managing a nuclear research reactor.
President Tinubu has reiterated the importance of incorporating nuclear energy into Nigeria’s electricity generation mix, and Nigerians should anticipate developments in this area.
“Electricity produced by nuclear energy is clean and safe, barring human errors or natural disasters like the one in Hiroshima,” he stated.
Prof. Sunday Jonah, Director of the center, earlier mentioned that the event marked 20 years of the safe operation, maintenance, and use of the first Nuclear Research Reactor, known as NNR-1.
Despite the center’s many achievements over the years, the Director expressed concern about NAEC’s attempt to take control of the center from the university via the proposed NAEC Bill 2022.
He argued that this action would undermine the vision of the center’s founders, who established it within universities to foster a culture of research and development.
