By Ayo Onikoyi

In a recent interview, Kafilat Funmilola Amuda, a nuclear applications expert and scientific officer at the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), shared her insights on the pivotal role nuclear energy could play in addressing Nigeria’s energy needs and driving sustainable economic growth.

With a population exceeding 200 million and growing at an annual rate of 2.5%, Nigeria faces an ever-increasing demand for reliable electricity. According to Amuda, the solution lies in diversifying the country’s energy mix through nuclear power integration, which promises consistent energy supply, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and significant environmental benefits.

Nuclear Energy as a Sustainable Solution for Nigeria’s Energy Challenges
In a country heavily reliant on fossil fuels and hydroelectric sources, Amuda emphasizes that nuclear energy offers a sustainable and resilient alternative. “While our status as an OPEC member gives us access to domestic fossil fuels, this reliance may not be viable long-term,” Amuda asserts. The primary motivation for exploring nuclear power, she explains, is to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on natural gas and address the volatility of gas prices, which often disrupts power supply. With nuclear energy, Nigeria can achieve a stable, low-carbon power source that supports its ambitious economic goals.
Building on a Foundation of Nuclear Expertise
Nigeria’s journey into nuclear technology is not new, as demonstrated by the successful operation of several key facilities, including the NIRR-1 research reactor at Ahmadu Bello University, the Gamma Irradiation Facility at the Nuclear Training Centre in Sheda, and the Accelerator at the Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD) at Obafemi Awolowo University. Amuda highlights that these facilities have not only provided valuable research but have also served as vital training grounds for local scientists and engineers. “The NIRR-1, a pool-type reactor licensed by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), has contributed significantly to research in areas such as geochemical mapping, trace element analysis, and food safety,” she explains, showcasing Nigeria’s capabilities in safe nuclear technology management.
The Economic and Environmental Case for Nuclear Power
Amuda outlines the broader impact nuclear power can have on Nigeria’s economy. By facilitating technology transfer, nuclear power plants would bring advanced technical expertise and create thousands of skilled and unskilled jobs, boosting sectors beyond energy, such as healthcare and agriculture. “Harnessing nuclear technology will stimulate local industries through a ‘spin-off effect,’ allowing advancements in nuclear technology to benefit other areas of the economy,” she adds.
Beyond economic growth, nuclear power would reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint, aligning the country with global decarbonization efforts and enabling a cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure. With the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a critical partner, Nigeria is committed to meeting international safety standards and ensuring responsible nuclear energy development. According to Amuda, “A reliable electricity supply from nuclear energy will not only improve the quality of life for Nigerians but will also foster job creation, industrialization, and economic independence.”