The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has urged the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) to reconsider its proposal to build four large-scale nuclear power plants, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu advised the commission during a meeting with its acting Chairman, Dr Anthony Ekedewa, at his office in Abuja on Tuesday.
Dr Ekedewa had briefed the minister on the commission’s mandate, stating that nuclear power is a reliable renewable energy source capable of powering the entire country. He revealed that NAEC is proposing the establishment of plants at two pre-assessed sites: Geregu in Kogi State and Idu in Akwa Ibom, noting that feasibility studies have already been conducted.
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“We want to work and partner with the Ministry of Power in power generation. We have the potential to serve as a base load power source, but our major challenge is funding,” Ekedewa said.
In response, Adelabu advised against pursuing four large nuclear plants at this stage, though he expressed support for modular nuclear reactors — smaller, scalable units — which align with the government’s energy decentralisation strategy.
“The question remains: how much of our conventional energy sources have we maximised?” the minister asked. “There’s been considerable investment in this commission over the years. It’s time Nigeria begins to reap the benefits.”
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Despite his caution, Adelabu acknowledged the importance of nuclear energy in the country’s energy future. He confirmed that the Ministry of Power is exploring collaboration with NAEC to improve power generation and stabilise the national grid.
“While the process is complex and capital-intensive, the long-term benefits of nuclear energy are substantial,” he noted. “We’re not there yet, but we must embrace what can truly transform our energy sector.”
Adelabu called for the immediate organisation of a stakeholder workshop involving both the ministry and NAEC, alongside key players in the power sector, to explore sustainable, impactful collaboration.
