The straightforward answer is a qualified yes. For a country that will be the third most populous nation on earth by 2050, the energy needs of close to 300 million people will require harnessing nuclear power to support other energy sources.

We were ripe for this energy source several decades ago; so, the question of whether we are ripe in 2018 is belated. When our population doubles, how are we going to get the requisite energy to power our industries, drive our electricity-dependent transportation systems, as well as our domestic use and meet other energy needs?

Is it from Egbin where gas shortfalls caused by saboteurs hinder full electricity production? Is it from Kainji where water level rises one day and falls the next day? We are late already and over-ripe so we need to rush to harness nuclear power.

However, there is the need to be clearheaded about the security implications of the location and the running of a nuclear power plant.

The menacing threat of Boko Haram is an issue with regard to location. The Niger Delta militants can pose a threat and without adequate security, rogue cows from some herdsmen can stray into the nuclear power plant and cause mayhem.

I take consolation in the fact that the endorsement of the International Atomic Energy Agency for Nigeria to proceed on the nuclear route will factor in all these security implications.

Last point to note, since 2004, we have been nursing the idea for the deployment of nuclear power for generation of electricity.

This has been on course since 2015 and we are to partner Russia in the construction and operation of four nuclear power plants by 2035. We should march on stoutly along this track. • Prof. Peter Okebukola (A former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission)         

I would say yes and no. Yes in the sense that nuclear energy will provide a shortcut for cheap and affordable electricity which can drive Nigeria’s development. However, the essential ingredients for nuclear energy are also the essential ingredients for nuclear weapons.

I will not say that Nigeria is ripe for nuclear power in the sense of developing weapons because I do not consider it necessary for Nigeria to acquire nuclear power for such purposes when we do not have foes to fight with nuclear weapons.

Also, the cost of acquiring nuclear power when compared to the needs of Nigeria makes its acquisition at this point unjustifiable.

 So, for now, the country should focus on developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes such as the generation of electricity for domestic and industrial use. •Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor (Vice-Chancellor, Edo University, Iyamho)

It depends on how you look at it. But Nigeria is not behind in terms of knowledge. Once the things are put in order, it (nuclear power) is possible. Nigeria has been training people since the early 1970s in the area of nuclear technology. The only snag is that the conditions are not yet right to make it happen. The political condition must be right, the site must also be ready and the technology must be available.

Since the 70s, there has always been a great desire by Nigeria to harness nuclear power for electricity generation.

So, it depends on what aspect of nuclear energy you are talking about. Considering the use of nuclear power, it is a two-edged sword. If we are able to tap into nuclear energy, we will be in a position to access a large amount of energy. There is also the potential that Nigeria will be reckoned with and other benefits will come up.

It can also be used not only for energy generation purposes, but also for medicine, agriculture and other things. I will recommend that if we want to go into the use of nuclear power, we should start moderately.

The structure of land in Nigeria is not much when compared to many other countries, but our population is large. We should also look at the security component and ensure that the actual technological knowhow and control is in place. • Prof. Clement Akoshile (Director, Renewable Energy Centre, University of Ilorin)

I believe Nigeria is ripe for nuclear power. I say this because there is availability of the required expertise in this area. We have the Centre for Energy Research and Development at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

There is also a centre like that at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. These centres have been there for over 30 years. We have people with the required expertise and we also have the National Atomic Energy Commission which can serve as a regulator.

There are many benefits that this nation can derive from nuclear power. One, it is clean, unlike the fossil fuel that is messy. The generation of electricity through nuclear energy will surely reduce the amount of energy generated through fossil fuels such as coal and oil, and this will lower the emission of greenhouse gases. Lower emission of greenhouse gases will help protect the environment.

Despite its numerous benefits, the nation is not investing enough in nuclear power and I wonder why.

I think we should invest in it in order to reap the benefits. I know that one or two Nigerians are at the top echelon of the nuclear energy arena in the United States of America. One of the AGMs in NASA and the Atomic Energy Commission in the US is a Nigerian.

There is no need to entertain the fear that Nigeria may not properly handle nuclear power. The petrochemicals and others that came, Nigeria handled them very well. If we could handle those ones, we can handle nuclear power.

The only thing is that the commitment is not there, but we have the expertise to handle it. I can tell you honestly that if this had been properly handled, Nigeria would  have been enjoying a front row treatment now. I know about three or four Nigerians who are doing very well at the nuclear energy arena in the United Kingdom. • Prof. Benjamin Imasogie (Dean, Faculty of Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife)

I will say yes and no. Countries like South Africa and even Iran are using nuclear power to generate electricity; so, I think Nigeria is ripe.

But the issue at the moment is the cost benefit analysis. If the government does the cost benefit analysis and comes to the conclusion that nuclear power can solve our electricity problems and that it has the resources to invest in that source of energy, then, why not?

However, my concern is about our poor maintenance culture, especially with respect to infrastructure. If we carry over this attitude into our nuclear infrastructure, Nigeria will be courting disaster.

On the question as to whether we are ripe, yes we are. I don’t see why we are not. If other smaller countries are trying it and getting results, we should consider it too.

But I must state here that if I am asked to speak to the government about it, I will make it clear that it is not a priority at the moment because we have other sources of power generation which the government has yet to fully explore. We have gas, coal as well as capacity for solar and other renewable energy sources like hydro, which will benefit us in many ways. So, based on the resources that we have and the funds that are available, I believe that it will be okay for Nigeria to take advantage of what we have before seeking to go nuclear.

It is not a priority right now. It is not that we are not ripe for it based on our size and natural resources, but for now, it should not be a priority because we have resources that we have not yet fully tapped. • Chijioke James (Legal practitioner/President of Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria)

• Compiled by: Success Nwogu, Femi Makinde, Samuel Awoyinfa, Okechukwu Nnodim and Alexander Okere

Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]