Despite years of discussions and agreements, the country has yet to generate a single watt of electricity from nuclear power.
For decades, Nigeria has grappled with an unreliable power supply, leaving industries, businesses, and households dependent on expensive diesel generators. In search of a long-term solution, the Nigerian government has explored nuclear energy as a potential game-changer for the nation’s energy security. However, despite years of discussions and agreements, the country has yet to generate a single watt of electricity from nuclear power. Where does Nigeria stand today in its nuclear ambitions, and what are the key challenges ahead?
The Current State of Nuclear Energy in Nigeria
As of 2024, nuclear power contributes 0% to Nigeria’s energy mix. The vast majority of the country’s electricity still comes from gas-fired plants (about 80%), with hydropower and a minimal fraction of solar and wind making up the rest. While Nigeria has made headlines over the years with plans to adopt nuclear energy, progress has been slow, and no commercial nuclear reactor has been constructed.
However, the groundwork is being laid. The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), established in 1976, has been spearheading efforts to introduce nuclear power. In collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Nigeria operates a small research reactor, the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR), at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. This reactor is used for scientific and medical research—not electricity generation.
The Push for Nuclear Power
Nigeria’s most significant step toward nuclear energy came in 2017 when it signed agreements with Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, to build and operate nuclear power plants. The initial plan involved constructing two reactors, with a combined capacity of 2,400 megawatts (MW), at a cost estimated in the billions of dollars. However, nearly seven years later, no concrete progress has been made beyond feasibility studies and preliminary site assessments.
If realized, Nigeria’s nuclear plants would likely use Russian VVER reactors, a modern pressurized water reactor design known for enhanced safety features. These Generation III+ reactors are more efficient and safer than older models, but they require substantial investment and technical expertise to operate.
Challenges: Cost, Safety, and Public Perception
One of the biggest hurdles for Nigeria’s nuclear ambitions is financing. Building a single nuclear reactor can cost between $5 billion and $10 billion, a massive investment for a country already struggling with debt and competing infrastructure needs. Additionally, the timeline for constructing a nuclear plant—from planning to operation—typically spans 10 to 15 years, meaning even if Nigeria started today, the first reactor wouldn’t come online until the late 2030s.
Safety and regulatory oversight are also critical concerns. The Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) is tasked with ensuring safe operations, but experts question whether the agency has sufficient resources and technical capacity to oversee a full-scale nuclear power program. Public skepticism remains another obstacle, with fears over radiation risks and nuclear waste disposal.
Nuclear Waste Management: A Looming Question
A major issue yet to be fully addressed is what Nigeria will do with nuclear waste. Currently, the country has no long-term storage or disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste. Research reactor waste is managed under IAEA guidelines, but a commercial nuclear program would require a permanent deep geological repository—something only a few countries, like Finland and Sweden, have successfully developed. Without a clear waste management strategy, Nigeria’s nuclear plans could face significant opposition.
Who Will Monitor Nigeria’s Nuclear Program?
Beyond the NNRA, Nigeria’s nuclear activities are subject to IAEA safeguards, which ensure compliance with non-proliferation treaties. The IAEA provides technical support, but ultimate responsibility for safety and regulation lies with Nigerian authorities. Strengthening these institutions will be crucial before any large-scale nuclear project moves forward.
The Future of Nuclear Power in Nigeria
While Nigeria’s interest in nuclear energy is understandable—given its potential to provide stable, large-scale electricity—the reality is that the country remains years, if not decades, away from seeing its first operational reactor. The government must secure funding, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and build public trust before breaking ground on a nuclear plant.
For now, Nigeria’s energy future may rely more on expanding gas, solar, and hydropower, which offer faster and more cost-effective solutions in the short term. However, if the country remains committed to nuclear energy, the 2040s could mark the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s power sector—provided the challenges are met with careful planning and international cooperation.
Nigeria’s nuclear ambitions reflect a desire for energy independence, but the path forward is fraught with financial, technical, and social hurdles. While nuclear power could one day play a role in Nigeria’s energy mix, it remains a distant prospect rather than an immediate solution to the country’s electricity woes. The coming ten years will be decisive, revealing whether Nigeria will succeed in building a nuclear power sector or will instead focus on developing alternative energy sources.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Nigeria Country Manager, Michael Johnson.