By Idowu Bankole

Nigeria’s long-standing power generation issues have persisted as a significant impediment to its socio-economic development. Despite its abundant natural resources, ranging from oil and gas to renewable sources, the country continues to grapple with an unreliable power supply, affecting industries, businesses, and the livelihoods of millions of citizens. With this prevailing challenge, it is high time that Nigeria considers nuclear energy as an alternative solution that offers both sustainability and capacity for large-scale power generation.

In an interview, Attah Abraham Ejimah, a leading voice with extensive experience in nuclear security, radiological risk management, and the application of nuclear physics across various sectors, shared his expert insights on how nuclear power could help solve Nigeria’s energy challenges. Ejimah, who is also a researcher at the Center for Energy Research and Training Zaria and the University of Minnesota, highlighted the potential of nuclear energy to alleviate the country’s chronic power shortages. “Nuclear power offers a reliable, high-capacity energy solution that could revolutionize Nigeria’s energy sector,” Ejimah stated. He further emphasized the critical role of international collaboration and a strong regulatory framework in ensuring the safe and effective implementation of nuclear power in Nigeria.

Understanding Nigeria’s Energy Deficit

At present, Nigeria’s power generation is mainly dependent on natural gas, which supplies approximately 86% of the country’s electricity. Hydropower contributes a smaller percentage, but it has become increasingly unreliable with erratic water levels due to climate change. Additionally, despite having the capacity to generate over 12,500 megawatts, the country only manages to produce between 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts due to inefficiencies in transmission, aging infrastructure, and operational challenges.

This shortfall in power supply has a ripple effect, stunting industrial growth and innovation, leading to increased operational costs for businesses that rely on generators as backups, and ultimately, slowing down the nation’s GDP growth. “The unreliable power supply has led to the loss of jobs and reduced productivity, affecting the overall quality of life for Nigerians,” Ejimah notes.

Why Nuclear Power?

Unlike other forms of energy production, nuclear energy is not dependent on fluctuating resources like oil prices or seasonal water levels. It offers a stable and high-output energy source that can provide continuous power to millions of homes and industries. Given Nigeria’s ambition to industrialise, nuclear energy allows the country to generate large amounts of power while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns, as it produces significantly less carbon emissions than fossil fuels.

Nuclear power plants, particularly next-generation reactors like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), present a scalable, safe, and more affordable option for countries like Nigeria. SMRs are flexible, require less initial capital investment than traditional large-scale reactors, and are easier to integrate into national grids with infrastructural constraints. Moreover, Nigeria’s geographical stability, with minimal seismic activity, makes it an ideal location for nuclear plants from a safety perspective.

Addressing the Misconceptions About Nuclear Energy

There is no denying that the term “nuclear” often triggers fear and scepticism among the general populace, largely due to past accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. However, Ejimah emphasizes that modern nuclear reactors have evolved significantly. “Today’s reactors come with multiple layers of safety protocols and advanced passive safety systems, reducing the risk of disasters,” he explains. Additionally, regulatory frameworks under international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) provide guidelines that ensure nuclear facilities operate at the highest safety and security standards.

Nigeria is not a stranger to nuclear science. The country has been engaged in peaceful nuclear research for years, with institutions like the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) at Ahmadu Bello University and the Nuclear Technology Centre in Abuja playing pivotal roles in nuclear research and training. These institutions provide Nigeria with the technical capacity and expertise needed to operate and manage nuclear energy.

The Role of International Partnerships

Deploying nuclear energy in Nigeria would undoubtedly require collaboration with international partners. Several countries have already expressed interest in partnering with Nigeria on nuclear energy projects. These partnerships can offer the technological expertise required and access to financing and capacity-building programs for Nigeria’s nuclear scientists and engineers.

However, before moving forward with any partnerships, Nigeria must ensure its regulatory framework is robust enough to handle the complexity of nuclear power plant deployment. Institutions like the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), under the leadership of experts like Dr. Yau Idris, are making strides in addressing the safety and regulatory challenges of nuclear energy. “The NNRA has been proactive in working with international bodies to ensure compliance with global safety standards,” Ejimah says.

Overcoming Regulatory and Political Challenges

For Nigeria to successfully adopt nuclear energy, several hurdles must be addressed. “Strengthening the legal and regulatory environment is essential for successful nuclear power deployment,” Ejimah emphasizes. As a country with no prior experience in managing a nuclear power plant, building the necessary infrastructure for nuclear waste disposal, security, and plant operation would be critical.

Equally important is political will. The government must prioritise nuclear energy as part of its national energy mix and commit to long-term investments in the sector. Nuclear energy projects are capital-intensive, with plants taking up to a decade to come online. However, the long-term benefits, both in terms of energy security and economic development, are immense.

Nigeria must also invest in public education and awareness programs to alleviate public fears surrounding nuclear energy. The success of nuclear power in Nigeria will depend largely on how well the government communicates its safety and environmental benefits to the public and how transparent it is in managing any risks.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s energy crisis will not be solved overnight. While renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are part of the solution, they alone cannot meet the country’s growing power demands. Nuclear energy offers a long-term, sustainable, and reliable solution that can transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. Quoting Ejimah, “By embracing nuclear power, Nigeria can lead Africa’s energy transformation and secure its future as a stable and prosperous nation.”