Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority Gains €1 Million Grant from European Union

The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) has secured a €1 million grant from the European Union (EU) to implement an international nuclear safety cooperation project focused on the safe management of radioactive waste within Nigeria. This development, as reported by Arise News on October 24, represents a significant opportunity for the nation, according to Dr. Yau Usman Idris, the Director General of NNRA.

The opportunity emerged following confirmation by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Nigeria has established a robust system for nuclear safety and security. The nation is currently enhancing this framework with updates to its legal and regulatory structures. The broader project aims to bolster Nigeria's capabilities in the field of nuclear energy, with a primary focus on capacity development and training.

In essence, this initiative seeks to equip Nigerian experts and institutions with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle nuclear technologies safely and securely. Furthermore, it intends to strengthen the regulatory framework for nuclear safety and refine the rules and regulations governing the use of nuclear energy in Nigeria, ensuring they align with current international standards.

The project places a strong emphasis on implementing recommendations from various IAEA missions, guiding Nigeria to achieve the highest international standards in nuclear safety and security. This grant marks a substantial step forward in establishing Nigeria as a responsible and proficient player in the realm of nuclear energy, with paramount attention to safety, security, and regulatory compliance.

Background 

During the Nigerian International Energy Summit held in March 2022, Dr. Yau Usman Idris unveiled a significant development: the initiation of a bidding process for the construction of a substantial 4,000-megawatt (MW) nuclear power plant. If this endeavor proves successful and proceeds as scheduled, it will represent a groundbreaking achievement in Nigeria's energy infrastructure, establishing the largest nuclear power facility in the nation.

Dr. Usman underscored the existence of established mechanisms designed to facilitate the development of nuclear power plants for any interested nation. Nigeria's primary goal is to augment its energy generation capacity, with a specific emphasis on delivering 4,000 MW of electricity through nuclear power.

Dr. Usman disclosed that the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) is actively engaged in the planning and bidding process for the construction of four nuclear reactor units.