The Director-General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has affirmed the continuing consultation and unwavering interactions between Nigeria and the agency to ensure that nuclear energy ambitions remained on track
Mr Grossi clarified that progress on Nigeria’s nuclear agenda has not slowed down but rather continued through technical consultations between both parties.“We continue to work with Nigeria; it is not that when you visit that everything ends, there have been technical consultations,” he said.
In an earlier comment made in May 2024 while visiting Nigeria to address a seminar on cancer awareness, Mr Grossi revealed that the IAEA was ready to assist in developing nuclear energy programs in the nation. The meeting saw him interacting with top government officials such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who referred to Nigeria’s intention to develop nuclear energy as a logical move due to the nation’s importance and size.
While appreciating the ongoing engagements, the IAEA’s head of delegation pointed out that Nigeria has not made up its mind regarding its intention of utilizing nuclear power as a source of energy. He described the ongoing phase of exploration as one of investigation.
“There has not been a decision yet. It’s more of pre-decision to explore. Given its large oil reserves, Nigeria’s energy situation differs from other nations’,” he said.
Nuclear energy, according to him, is being considered as an alternative energy source in a bid to diversify the energy sources.
“Again, there isn’t a dire need for nuclear power. It’s more diversification. But the discussion is very much alive,” he stated.
According to the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, the Nigerian Nuclear Energy Programme is still at the infrastructural planning stage as stipulated by the international atomic energy agency’s safety guidelines.
The country has been a member of the IAEA since 1957. However, it further enhanced its relationship with the organization in September 2023 when it signed the Country Programme Framework (CPF) for the period 2024 to 2029.
