The Federal Government of Nigeria recently stated its intentions to diversify the nation?s energy sector by employing nuclear technology in the generation of electricity. This move was necessitated due to the current energy crisis in the country with only about 5000MW of electricity been generated currently from hydro, oil and gas.

The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NNRA) are the commissions charged with the responsibility to coordinate the development of the nation?s nuclear resources. NAEC was established as far back as in 1976 as a part of the Ministry of Science and Technology until in 2011 when it was made a full-fledged commission.

Uranium has been discovered in some states in the northern part of the country and in cross river state. If fully explored, this can serve as a more environmental friendly source of electricity than oil and gas. The country?s nuclear research reactor situated in Zaria is powered by uranium and designed for teaching purpose.

The Federal government stated that plans for the establishment of the first nuclear plant in the country which would be operational by 2025 are ongoing. Also about five nuclear research and training centers has been established in different locations. The detailed nuclear laws is said to be under debate at the national assembly.

There has been a lot of criticism on the issue which has been largely based on the security of the project. Some institutions and individuals have expressed concern about the regulation of such a project and the readiness of the government towards the maintenance of it. However in the aspect of safety, NNRA regulates the use of nuclear materials in the country and has so far made laudable efforts towards safeguarding its application.

SOURCE:

thenationonlineng.net