The electricity problem facing Nigeria may soon be a thing of the past if indications from the Federal Government are anything to go by.
Nigerians have always asked the government to source for alternative source of power as it is done in other climes.
The Muhammadu Buhari-led administration seems to be looking in that direction.
On Wednesday, the FG disclosed that it is aiming to get additional 4000 megawatts of electricity from nuclear energy.
According to the plan by the government in the coming years, 1,000MW would first be generated from the alternative source and would be increased to 4,000MW thereafter.
This was reached during a meeting the President had at the Presidential Villa, Abuja with the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Yukiya Amano.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the ministers who spoke at the meeting gave updates on the country’s presentation for the utilisation of nuclear energy.
“The ministers of Power, Solid Minerals, Health, Science and Technology, who briefed the meeting, said preparatory steps taken so far included the training of doctors and other medical specialists to prepare for unforeseen circumstances, the establishment of specialist medical centres and the procurement of necessary equipment aimed at protecting the health of the citizens.
“Nigeria, said the ministers, is aspiring to start a programme in the coming years that will give this country 1,000MW of electricity in the first instance, to be increased to 4,000MW thereafter,” Shehu said in the statement.
Buhari’s media aide disclosed that Amano was pleased to see that Nigeria was taking the correct steps towards a safe usage of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
On his part, the President welcomed the support of the IAEA for Nigeria’s aspiration to generate electricity from nuclear energy.
He urged the IAEA to do more to support Nigeria in view of the long years of its association and support for the nuclear regulatory agency.
