Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed reservations over a proposed plan by the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) to build four nuclear power plants capable of generating 1,200 megawatts each, citing concerns about resource availability and readiness.

During a meeting with NAEC’s Acting Chairman, Anthony Ekedewa, in Abuja, Adelabu advised the commission to tread carefully and focus on modular nuclear reactors instead. “I wish we were there already in this country, but we are not there yet,” he said.

“We should ask ourselves how much of the conventional sources of energy we have exploited.”Ekedewa had earlier briefed the minister on NAEC’s goals, saying, “We want to work and partner with you in the area of power generation.

We can be a base load for the country… but we are limited by resources.”While acknowledging the long-term benefits of nuclear energy, Adelabu urged a more measured approach.

“Nuclear energy is the future of energy generation,” he noted, “but any serious government must also ask what can realistically be achieved now.”

The minister, however, welcomed deeper collaboration with the commission, stating, “Whatever can add value to our power sector, we must embrace it.

This meeting is the right step in the right direction.”He also proposed a joint workshop involving both the ministry and NAEC, alongside other stakeholders, to explore sustainable paths for integrating nuclear energy into Nigeria’s power mix.