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Nigeria will deploy nuclear technology to boost electricity generation – NAEC

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The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has said it is working in collaboration with the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria to deploy nuclear science and technology to strengthen electric power generation in Nigeria.

The Chairman of NAEC, Prof. Yusuf-Aminu Ahmed, disclosed this during the 20th Anniversary Symposium of Nigeria’s first Nuclear Research Reactor-1 (NNR-1) in Zaria.

Ahmed said the experience developed over the years on nuclear power at the centre makes Nigeria ripe and ready to go into the next level of power generation through the nuclear reactor.

Project time unspecified

He explained that the time for the project would not be open for the public; however, Ahmed added that international partners and vendors were working closely with the commission over the project.

He also said that intergovernmental agreements were signed with some of the vendors on the nuclear power in Nigeria and very soon President Tinubu would make an announcement on the issue.

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Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, said the 20 years of safe operation of the nuclear research reactor was an indication that Nigeria has joined the campaign for the safe application of nuclear energy.

Nuclear reactor for electricity generation

Akume, represented by his Special Assistant on Technical Issues, Prof. Bolaji Babatunde, added that since the center had safely operated the nuclear research reactor for 20 years, it could also obtain a nuclear reactor for electricity generation.

According to him, the process of having a reactor that would generate electricity is similar to operating a nuclear research reactor.

Also speaking the Director of the center, Prof. Sunday Jonah, said the event was to celebrate 20 years of safe operation, maintenance, and utilization of the first Nuclear Research Reactor code-named NNR-1.

He, however, lamented that despite the numerous gains at the center over the years, there is a plot by NAEC to wrestle the center from the university through the proposed NAEC Bill 2022.

He explained that such a move would negate the dreams of the founding fathers that established the centre in universities because of the culture of research and development being promoted at designated universities.

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