The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Yukiya Amano, appealed to Nigeria to use nuclear technology responsibly.
Speaking in Abuja after meeting Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Amano informed IAEA regarded Nigeria as an important partner, hence the agency wanted to transfer nuclear technology which it is convinced, would not be used adversely.
“IAEA, as a responsible international agency, wants Nigeria to use nuclear power for peace and development,” said Amano.
While nuclear is vital in addressing energy challenges, there is always negativity around it owing to its use in warfare.
Meanwhile, Fashola reiterated the commitment of government to diversify its energy mix beyond the traditional sources of gas, oil and hydro.
He said the government was also diversifying to include nuclear and other renewable sources like solar, biomass and wind.
Fashola commended the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission and its team of experts for the research works and human capacity building efforts in this specialized field.
He Fashola challenged atomic energy experts to do more in the area of public enlightenment as many Nigerians have limited knowledge about the use of nuclear technology for power.
“You must begin to break down the seeming complex issues around nuclear power into simple terms and language that our people can understand, we must try to demystify issues around nuclear power in Nigeria,” he said.
(Source: CAJ NEWS)