By Funmi Emmanuel, Abuja.
The Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo has assured that in no distant time, Nigeria in its quest for a robust energy mix will look into the direction of nuclear energy.
He stated this when a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Council, IAEC, led by its Deputy Director-General, Mr. Kwanu Aning, paid him a courtesy visited yesterday in Abuja.
Nebo said it is no longer acceptable for the nation to put all its eggs in one basket, insisting that Nigeria will need to correct and avoid in the future hiccups, occasioned by lack of gas to power plants.
“We need coal, biomass, small hydros, solar even nuclear, if it is designed it is the best as it remained the cleanest and safest form of energy”. The Minister said as the nation aspires to be the hub of technological know-how on the continent, acquisition of nuclear technology will make our people to mentor other African countries.
He assured the visiting IAEC delegation, that Nigeria will welcome nuclear initiative because of its immense contribution in the treatment of some delicate anti human substances, which has been tackled with nuclear medicine.
He said whatever Nigeria needs to do in terms of acquisition of nuclear energy it would be guided by the best international practice, as we are aware that nuclear energy deployment must be done in line with strict rules of engagement.
Earlier, the leader of the IAEC, Mr. Kwanu Aning said that the regulatory role of the agency is to ensure that countries who are deploying nuclear energy have the right technical staff, safety of environment because nuclear power is a complex energy source.
He added that energy is life, “we support countries’ energy efficiency programmes and we exchange idea in order to strengthen our regulatory role.”
