Nigeria Targets 4,000MW From Nuclear Energy

The Federal Government is currently working towards generating 4,000MW of electricity using nuclear energy.

The plan is to start a programme in the coming years that will give the country 1,000MW in the first instance, to be increased to 4,000MW thereafter.

A statement on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said this was disclosed during a meeting President Muhammadu Buhari had with the Director-General of of International Atomic Energy Agency, Mr. Yukiya Amano, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shehu said the ministers who spoke at the meeting gave updates on the country’s presentation for the utilisation of nuclear energy.

Shehu said, “The Ministers of Power, Solid Minerals, Health, Science and Technology who briefed the meeting said preparatory steps taken so far included the training of doctors and other medical specialists to prepare for unforeseen circumstances, the establishment of specialist medical centres and the procurement of necessary equipment aimed at protecting the health of the citizens.

“Nigeria, said the Ministers, is aspiring to start a programme in the coming years that will give this country 1,000MW of electricity in the first instance, to be increased to 4,000 megawatts thereafter.”

He quoted the President as welcoming the support IAEA for Nigeria’s aspiration to generate electricity using nuclear energy.

Speaking in company with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and a number of ministers, Buhari said he was happy that the organisation was developing a programme from which Nigeria would benefit.

He urged the IAEA to do more to support Nigeria in view of the long years of its association and support for the nuclear regulatory agency.

In his address, Amano said he was pleased to see that Nigeria was taking the correct steps, so far, toward a safe usage of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.