The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has confirmed that discussions surrounding Nigeria’s proposed nuclear power programme are ongoing, with technical engagements continuing between the agency and Nigerian authorities. Speaking in Vienna, Austria, during an IAEA programme and responding to an enquiry from PREMIUM TIMES, Grossi said the agency has maintained steady collaboration with Nigeria through technical consultations, site visits, and meetings aimed at advancing the country’s nuclear energy ambitions.
According to him, the engagements have continued since his visit to Nigeria in May 2024, where he participated in a seminar on cancer awareness and advocacy and held discussions with top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
At the time, Grossi described Nigeria’s pursuit of nuclear energy as “a logical move for a country of your size and importance".
Providing an update on developments since that visit, the IAEA chief said: “We have continued working with Nigeria, I have to tell you. It’s not that after that visit, things stopped. We have continued at technical levels, some visits, and technical meetings.”
Despite the ongoing consultations, Grossi noted that Nigeria has yet to make a final decision regarding the establishment of a nuclear power programme. He explained that the country's position as a major crude oil producer makes its energy considerations distinct from those of many other nations.
“There hasn’t been a decision yet. There is like a pre-decision to explore the alternative. Of course, your country (Nigeria) is a big oil-producing country, an exporter, etc. So the discussion in your country is different from that in other countries,” he said.
The IAEA Director General emphasised that discussions remain active, although Nigeria continues to assess a range of energy options.
“It’s a matter of diversification more than a matter of need, maybe. But the conversation space is pretty much alive, I must say,” Grossi added.
Nigeria’s nuclear energy initiative is being coordinated by the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) under the regulatory guidance and safety standards of the IAEA. The programme is intended to provide a stable and clean source of electricity to support the national grid and is currently progressing through preliminary planning and infrastructure development stages.
A significant milestone in the process was achieved in September 2023 when Nigeria signed its Country Programme Framework (CPF) for the 2024–2029 period during the margins of the IAEA General Conference. The framework serves as a medium-term roadmap for technical cooperation between Nigeria and the agency, outlining priority areas for the transfer of nuclear technology and expertise in support of national development objectives.
Nigeria, which has been a member of the IAEA since 1957, identified five key areas of cooperation in its fourth CPF covering 2024–2029. These include nuclear and radiation safety and security, food and agriculture, health and nutrition, water and environmental management, as well as energy planning and development.