FG to collaborate with Atomic Energy Commission on electricity generation, supply
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has announced plans for a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Power and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) in a bid to boost electricity generation and enhance the stability, efficiency, and reliability of power supply across the country.
The minister disclosed this during a meeting with Anthony Ekedewa, Acting Chairman of the NAEC, who paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
Adelabu explained that the collaboration aligns with ongoing reforms in the power sector and is intended to help address the persistent challenges of inadequate generation and unstable supply. He said nuclear energy, backed by advanced technology, has significant potential to improve the nation’s energy landscape.
“The involvement of the commission in Nigeria’s power sector is long overdue. We are ready to work closely with you,” he said.
While affirming the value of nuclear energy, Adelabu urged caution regarding the commission’s proposal to establish four large-scale power plants, each with a 1,200-megawatt capacity. He instead recommended a shift toward modular nuclear reactors, which he described as more suitable in the context of the government’s recent decentralisation of the power sector.
“This is a direction that will benefit states as well. Substantial investments have already been made into the commission over the years, and it is time the country begins to benefit from those efforts,” he remarked.
Adelabu acknowledged that although nuclear energy requires substantial funding and a lengthy development process, its long-term benefits are considerable.
“It is unfortunate that we are not yet at the level of countries who have fully embraced nuclear energy, but it is crucial we begin to consider it seriously. Historically, nuclear power has received limited attention, but the reality is that it represents the future of global electricity generation,” he said.
He admitted there had been a lack of meaningful collaboration between the ministry and NAEC in the past, but expressed optimism that this new engagement would mark the beginning of sustained cooperation.
“We have not had this kind of rapport before now, but I’m pleased we are making progress. I believe this relationship will grow stronger and serve our national interests,” he stated.
“This is a sophisticated form of power generation, but we must be willing to adopt any method that can genuinely improve our electricity supply. Forward-thinking leadership involves planning for the future, even if the results will only materialise beyond one’s tenure.”
Adelabu proposed the organisation of a joint workshop involving the ministry, NAEC, and other key players in the power sector. The event, he said, would serve as a platform for both sides to exchange ideas, pool expertise, and map out a viable plan to implement nuclear energy solutions.
“This is not going to be a low-cost venture, but we can begin with a workshop where professionals from both institutions can come together, deliberate, and determine how best to move forward,” he said.
He stressed that the timing of the partnership is particularly critical as Nigerian states are increasingly launching their own power initiatives under new decentralisation policies.
In response, Ekedewa affirmed the commission’s readiness to support the government’s energy agenda. He said nuclear energy, classified as a renewable source, could serve as a base load power solution capable of supplying electricity to the entire country.
“We are eager to collaborate with the ministry to contribute meaningfully to power generation. We have already identified two potential sites for nuclear facilities, Geregu in Kogi State and Idu in Akwa Ibom State, and have completed feasibility studies,” he said.
Ekedewa acknowledged that while the project is resource-intensive, it is an integral component of Nigeria’s broader energy policy and reiterated the commission’s commitment to seeing it through
