The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has cautioned the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) against its proposal to construct four nuclear power plants, each designed to generate 1,200 megawatts of electricity.
This advisory was issued during a meeting between the minister and the commission’s leadership, as detailed in a statement released on Wednesday by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji.
On Tuesday, Adelabu welcomed the acting Chairman of the Commission, Anthony Ekedewa, to his office in Abuja, where discussions centred on the commission’s activities and energy plans. Ekedewa gave a briefing on the agency, highlighting that it was set up in 1976 during the military administration of then Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Speaking on the country’s energy potential, Ekedewa stated, “As a renewable energy source, nuclear energy could power the entire country.” He explained that NAEC is working toward setting up nuclear power facilities capable of generating 1,200 megawatts each.
“We want to work and partner with you in the area of power generation. We can be a base load for the country, and we have two possible sites, Geregu in Kogi State and Idu in Akwa Ibom State. We have carried out the feasibility studies. This collaboration is part of our energy policy, but we are, however, limited by resources to undertake this project,” Ekedewa added.
In his response, Adelabu reportedly “advised against the proposed establishment of four power plants with a capacity to generate 1,200MW each, by the commission.” Although he expressed support for modular nuclear reactors—especially under the decentralised power sector framework—he questioned whether Nigeria had adequately harnessed more conventional energy sources.
“This is an area that states can benefit from. A lot of investment has gone into the development of the commission over the years, and Nigeria should start reaping from the investment,” the minister said.
The statement further revealed that the Federal Ministry of Power is initiating cooperation with the NAEC to improve electricity production and enhance the reliability and effectiveness of power supply.
Adelabu emphasised that such collaboration would help stabilise the sector and expand power generation capacity as part of ongoing reforms. He acknowledged the advantages of nuclear energy, especially with the integration of modern technologies, which would make electricity generation more efficient.
He pointed out that the involvement of NAEC in the mainstream power sector was long overdue and pledged his ministry’s readiness to partner with the commission.
According to him, even though establishing nuclear plants is a demanding and costly process, the eventual rewards would be significant. “I wish we were there already in this country, but we are not there yet. We should, however, ask ourselves how much of the conventional sources of energy we have exploited. Nuclear power plants tend to be at the lower end of concern over the years, but we have to understand that nuclear energy is the future of energy generation,” he stated.
Adelabu also noted the lack of engagement between the ministry and the commission in the past but expressed optimism about the renewed relationship.
“We have not been having this rapport in the past, but I’m happy we are starting from somewhere now, and I believe that we will sustain it for the overall benefit of our country. This is an advanced level of energy generation, but we must also embrace it because whatever can add value to our power sector, we must embrace it,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the political challenges of long-term projects, stating, “As we all know, leaders would naturally want projects that would materialise in their time in office, but any serious government will know that this is the future of the sector. Nuclear energy is the future of power generation. So, we must partner with you on how to improve the sector, and this meeting is the right step in the right direction. We have formally established a relationship with you, and we have so much to benefit from each other.”
To strengthen the partnership, Adelabu suggested holding a workshop involving both the ministry and the commission, alongside other stakeholders in the energy industry. The goal would be to devise practical approaches for a sustained and productive collaboration.
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