Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has advised the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission to reconsider its plan to establish four large-scale nuclear power plants, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, citing concerns over cost and the need to first maximize conventional energy sources.
According to The PUNCH, Adelabu urged a shift in focus toward modular nuclear reactors, which he described as more viable in the country’s current energy landscape.
“While nuclear energy holds immense potential as a clean and stable power source, we must ask ourselves how much of our conventional energy resources we have fully harnessed,” Adelabu said, according to a statement from his media aide, Bolaji Tunji.
Ekedewa had earlier briefed the minister on the Commission’s longstanding efforts and current proposals, including plans for nuclear power plant sites in Geregu, Kogi State, and Idu, Akwa Ibom State. He stressed the agency’s readiness but lamented a lack of funding.
“We have completed feasibility studies for both sites and are ready to collaborate with your ministry. However, the scale of this project demands significant investment, which has been a major limitation,” Ekedewa explained.
Adelabu responded by expressing support for nuclear energy in principle but maintained that the government must prioritize realistic, scalable energy projects.
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“Modular nuclear reactors align better with the decentralised direction of Nigeria’s power sector. They are manageable, less resource-intensive, and can be integrated faster than large-scale plants,” he said.
Despite his reservations about the proposed mega projects, Adelabu reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with the Commission. He described the meeting as a long-overdue step toward meaningful collaboration.
“Nuclear energy represents the future of power generation. Though it’s a tedious and costly path, the benefits are significant. We must begin somewhere, and this engagement signals the start of a necessary partnership,” he said.
To further explore this cooperation, the minister proposed convening a stakeholders’ workshop that would bring together the Ministry of Power, NAEC, and other key players in the energy sector.
“We need a comprehensive dialogue on how to move forward with nuclear energy in a way that supports our national power goals,” Adelabu concluded.
