Minister says Nigeria is planning to build nuclear power plants

The Federal Government has announced plans to build nuclear plants and apply nuclear energy to meet the country's need.

Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister of Science and Technology, made the announcement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday, in Abuja.

Onu said nuclear energy would bridge the energy gap required to enhance agriculture, advance health, improve education and boost Nigeria's manufacturing capacity.

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He added that the Government is already making arrangements with Rosatom, the Russian State Nuclear Corporation, to achieve its aim of building a nuclear reactor.

“Nuclear power is considered a prominent alternative and a more environmentally beneficial solution since it emits far less greenhouse gases during electricity generation than coal or other traditional power plants," said Onu.

As part of the deal, the minister said, Rosatom will prepare an agreement for the construction of a nuclear power plant while the Nigerian government will handle paperwork concerning the development of the project, and further steps on the construction of the nuclear power plant.