IAEA urges Nigeria to ensure safety of its nuclear energy programme

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stressed the need for Nigeria to ensure that its nuclear power programme is safe enough to provide electricity for 100 years.

The Deputy Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr Mikhail Chudakov, gave the advice after a closed door meeting with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo at the Defence House, Abuja on Monday.

According to him, Nigeria must be fully prepared and responsible for the safe operation of its nuclear power programme

“IAEA is not in the position to push some countries to create nuclear power. But if any country decides to create peaceful nuclear power we will be there to help the country and to suggest our programmes in order to operate nuclear power in safe manner”

“Nigeria did a lot in order to create the necessary infrastructure (for nuclear power development).”

“You should be reminded also that this is a specific source of energy and it should for 100 years and operate (necessary) for 100 years and that is why the country should be prepared for this and should be fully responsible for the safety culture; for safe operation of a nuclear power in the country.”

He commended Nigeria for its efforts toward the development of peaceful nuclear power plants.

In his remarks, Chief Executive of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Dr Erepamo Osaisai, said the IAEA delegation was in Nigeria to assess the state of readiness of the nation’s nuclear power infrastructure.

He said the delegation would be in the country for the next two weeks.

“The essence of this is that the IAEA, being the UN nuclear watch dog, is committed to nuclear safety and they are here to work with us to ensure that Nigeria adheres to the highest standard of nuclear safety.”

“Their mission will go on here for two weeks and we hope and believe that is going to benefit our country.”

NAN