Nigeria, the vibrant heart of Africa, pulsates with the rhythm of the ambitions of over 230 million people living within its borders. Yet, its aspirations for progress are often dimmed by the flickering lights of an unreliable power grid. Now on the horizon, a beacon of hope beckons: nuclear energy.

The attraction is undeniable : a constant flow of clean, reliable power; freedom from volatile fossil fuels, and the potential to ignite a surge of industrial development, particularly crucial for a nation brimming with young, tech-savvy citizens.

The Nigerian government’s Vision 20:2030 Plan paints a picture illuminated by 4,000MW of nuclear-generated electricity by 2030. This audacious goal stands in stark contrast to the country’s current reality : a consistently inconsistent nay inefficient grid struggling to deliver 13,000MW to its populace, both people and businesses. Nuclear power offers a way out from this darkness. Its plants emit minimal greenhouse gases, a crucial weapon in the fight against climate change, while simultaneously churning out vast amounts of clean energy. Countries like France (a shining example) have leveraged nuclear power to fuel not just their lights, but also their industrial engines and technological advancements.

However, the path to nuclear glory is not paved with moonlight. Building and operating these powerhouses require a hefty investment, often running into billions of US dollars. Ongoing operational and maintenance costs are no less daunting, demanding specialized infrastructure and highly trained personnel.

Nigeria’s economic realities cast a long shadow over these aspirations. A widening budget deficit, a bourgeoning external debt, and a volatile crude oil market — its primary source of revenue — present formidable obstacles. Allocating vast sums of foreign capital towards a nuclear program could strain the budget and divert resources from crucial sectors like education and healthcare.

Safety concerns loom large, a spectre brought into sharp focus by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant disaster in Japan in 2011. The potential consequences of accidents are a stark reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with nuclear power. Implementing robust safety measures and ensuring responsible nuclear waste disposal are paramount, adding to the already significant financial burden.

But despair is not an option. We can glean valuable insights from the experiences of others. South Korea, a global leader in nuclear technology, prioritized this technology as a national development strategy, garnering public support and mobilizing substantial financial resources. They heavily invested in research and development, fostering domestic expertise and reducing reliance on foreign imports.

However, South Korea’s journey is not without its blemishes. Opaque decision-making and lax safety regulations have drawn criticism, fueling public anxieties. Additionally, the financial sustainability of their programme has been questioned, with some arguing that the high costs outweigh the benefits.

Germany, once a champion of nuclear power, embarked on a controversial phase-out following the Fukushima incident. Citing safety concerns and public opposition, they permanently shut down all their nuclear power plants by the end of 2022. This decision serves as a cautionary tale for Nigeria. While public anxieties about safety must be addressed, abandoning nuclear power altogether may not be the most viable solution, especially considering the country’s limited energy options.

The United States, with its vast nuclear arsenal and robust civilian programme, offers a different perspective. It derives nearly 20 per cent of its electricity from nuclear power, showcasing its potential benefits and challenges. Decades of government support and investment in research and development have led to advanced reactor technologies with enhanced safety features. However, the high costs of construction and decommissioning, as well as nuclear waste disposal, remain as hurdles to be considered.

Nigeria’s pursuit of nuclear power is a complex endeavour, a tightrope walk between opportunity and challenge. The country must carefully consider economic, social and environmental implications before embarking on this ambitious journey. Learning from the experiences of advanced countries is crucial. Emulating their successes in areas like technological innovation and public support, while avoiding pitfalls in safety and financial burdens, is key.

One crucial factor sets Nigeria apart: its vibrant, youthful population. With over 60 per cent under the age of 30, Nigeria boasts a demographic advantage unlike any other. This young generation, brimming with tech-savvy talent and entrepreneurial spirit, stands poised to drive the nation’s industrial and economic revolution.

Nuclear power can act as the catalyst for this transformation. Reliable, clean energy will fuel factories, data centres, and innovation hubs, creating not just jobs, but also opportunities for this young generation to shape the future. Imagine a bustling Lagos powered by clean, uninterrupted energy, its tech startups and manufacturing plants humming with activity, all thanks to the responsible harnessing of the power of the atom.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue nuclear power is a strategic one that requires careful planning, transparent communication, and an unwavering commitment to safety and long-term sustainability.

By harnessing the power of the atom responsibly, Nigeria can illuminate its path to a brighter, more prosperous future—one powered by clean and reliable energy—for generations to come. The choice is not just about turning on the lights; it’s about illuminating the future of a nation brimming with potential.

Will Nigeria dare to embrace the allure of the atom and write its own story of progress, bathed in the warm glow of nuclear energy? The answer lies not just in feasibility studies and financial projections, but in the collective will of a nation yearning for a brighter tomorrow.

By harnessing the power of innovation, fostering public trust, and prioritizing safety above all else, Nigeria can unlock the immense potential of the atom to illuminate its cities and suburbs, along with the dreams and aspirations of its young, vibrant population.

The future beckons, bathed in the soft hum of nuclear reactors and the boundless energy of a nation ready to write its own luminous chapter in the annals of progress. Will Nigeria seize this opportunity and step into the light? Only time—and the choices made today—will tell.
• Oluwatobi Adeyemi writes from Department of History & International Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), Òjó, Lagos, Nigeria.