Nigeria is implementing a nuclear power programme with an initial capacity of 1000 megawatts by 2020. Nigeria is one of an increasing number of countries determined to develop nuclear power in the medium to long term, driven by socio-economic challenges. Benefits are decades off, therefore nuclear energy should develop in parallel to sustainable sources like solar and wind, with shorter installation times and lower budgets. At the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) hosted in Abuja in early July, Nigeria's Minister of Science and Technology said the country was ready to move to the next phase, following years of policy development. The Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) was set up in 1976, probably in response to South Africa acquiring nuclear weapons. In 1995, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act established the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA). The country's first research reactor was established at Ahmadu Bello University in 2004.
Nuclear energy has general government and popular support in Nigeria. A National Energy Policy of 2003 and Draft National Energy Master Plan of 2007 include nuclear energy as a possible future source. Nigeria's current power generation infrastructure, based on oil, is insufficient, despite generating capacity of 6000 mW, it produces only about 1500 to 3000 mW. Nuclear attracts African countries for four reasons, found the Centre for International Governance Innovation in a study, reported in January; 1 Base load generation at relatively stable prices, versus unpredictable oil prices. 2 Lower oil use would increase foreign exchange earnings. 3 Reduce dependence on natural gas from the unstable Niger Delta. 4 Long term supply of domestic uranium would reduce reliance on fossil fuels and water.
The country would still have to import enriched uranium, fuel assemblies to power light water reactors, and technology for reactors and power plants.
These technologies are expensive, and the timeline for building a reactor is 10 to 15 years.
As demand rises, delivery times would lengthen, and prices rise. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would not be able to support many requests for technical assistance and oversight, leading to further delays.
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