Nigeria Moves Closer to Nuclear Power as NEMA, NAEC Strengthen Safety Plans
The move is coming as Nigeria advances its National Nuclear Power Programme, with both agencies focusing on how the country can build the emergency preparedness and response systems needed before nuclear power becomes part of its energy mix.
NEMA Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, gave the assurance when she received the Chairman of NAEC, Dr Anthony Ekedegwa, who led a delegation on a working visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Mrs Umar said NEMA would continue to work closely with NAEC to ensure that Nigeria has adequate emergency preparedness and response arrangements in place, in line with its mandate and the requirements of the National Nuclear Power Programme.
She also pledged NEMA’s cooperation as Nigeria prepares for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s, IAEA, Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review, INIR, Phase Two Mission.
For NAEC, the collaboration is considered crucial as the country moves from planning towards the practical stages of its nuclear power ambitions.
Dr Ekedegwa said NAEC’s visit was aimed at deepening cooperation with NEMA because of the agency’s strategic role in managing emergencies nationwide.
He called for NEMA’s active participation in the review and updating of the Site Evaluation Report, SER, a key component of preparations for the nuclear power programme.
The two agencies agreed that strong emergency planning, coordination and response systems must accompany Nigeria’s nuclear ambitions to ensure that communities, workers and the environment are adequately protected.
For millions of Nigerians facing persistent electricity challenges, nuclear power could eventually provide another source of reliable electricity. But authorities say safety and emergency preparedness must remain at the heart of the journey.
