Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, has advised the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission against its proposal to construct four nuclear power plants, each capable of generating 1,200 megawatts of electricity.
This recommendation was made during a meeting with the commission, as reported by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, on Wednesday. Adelabu met with the acting Chairman of the Commission, Anthony Ekedewa, in his Abuja office on Tuesday, where he shared his concerns.
During the meeting, Ekedewa provided an update on the commission’s activities, noting that it was established in 1976 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he was the military head of state.
He stated, “Nuclear energy, as a renewable resource, has the potential to power the entire country.” He emphasized that the commission is advocating for the development of nuclear power plants capable of producing approximately 1,200MW.
“We aim to collaborate with you in power generation. We can serve as a base load for the country, with two potential sites identified: Geregu in Kogi State and Idu in Akwa Ibom State. Feasibility studies have already been conducted. This partnership aligns with our energy policy, but we face resource limitations in moving forward with the project,” Ekedewa explained.
In response, Adelabu reportedly cautioned against the commission’s plan to establish four power plants, each with a capacity of 1,200MW. While he acknowledged the potential of modular nuclear reactors, particularly given the government’s decentralization of the sector, he questioned the extent to which conventional energy sources have been fully utilized. “This is an area where states could benefit,” he added.
“This is an area where states can gain significant advantages. Considerable investment has been made in developing the commission over the years, and Nigeria should start benefiting from this investment,” the minister remarked.
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The statement revealed that the Federal Ministry of Power has initiated collaboration with the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission to enhance power generation and ensure a more stable, effective, and reliable supply. Adelabu emphasized that this partnership would strengthen power generation and stabilize the power sector as part of ongoing reforms.
