In 1999, the Federal Government took a bold decision to get the national economy to be private sector driven. The strong nexus between energy and socio-economic development made the Federal Government approve, in 2003, an overall National Energy Policy (NEP) for the nation which was revised in 2013. The overall thrust of the energy policy is the optimal utilization of the nation’s energy resources for sustainable development with the active participation of the private sector.

The energy policy objectives are summarized as follows:

1. To ensure the development of the nation’s energy resources, with diversified energy resources option, for the achievement of national energy security and an efficient energy delivery system with an optimal energy resources mix.

2. To guarantee increased contribution of energy productive activities to national income.

3. To guarantee adequate, reliable and sustainable supply of energy at appropriate costs and in an environmentally friendly manner, to the various sectors of the economy, for national development.

4. To guarantee an efficient and cost effective consumption pattern of energy resources.

5. To accelerate the process of acquisition and diffusion of technology and managerial expertise in the energy sector and indigenous participation in energy sector industries, for stability and self-reliance.

6. To promote increased investments and development of the energy sector industries with private sector leadership.

7. To ensure a comprehensive, integrated and well informed energy sector plans and programmes for effective development.

8. To foster international co-operation in energy trade and project development in both the African region and the world at large.

9. To successfully use the nation’s abundant energy resources to promote international co-operation.

10. To promote research and development in, and adoption of, sustainable low-carbon and clean energy technologies to mitigate environmental pollution and climate change.

11. To promote gender sensitivity and special attention to rural energy needs

12. To promote efficiency, conservation and carbon management best practices in the nation’s energy supply chain.

13. To ensure comprehensive and up-to-date availability of energy sector data and information.

14. To ensure effective coordination of national energy planning, programmes and policy implementation.

Table 1: ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Solid: Million tons; Liquids: Million tons; Gas: Billion m³; Uranium: Metric tons; Hydro, Renewable: TW

*Solid includes 4,200 Million Tons of oil equivalent of tar sands.

*Coal and Lignite; does not include Fuel Wood which covers 13 million hectares of forest and woodland, 61 million tonnes/yr of Animal Waste and 83 million tonnes/yr of Crop Residues.

**Wind: (2-4) m/s at 10m height; Solar Radiation: 3.5 - 7.0 kWh/m²/day (485.1million MWh/day using 0.1% land area).

Sources: Nigeria National Energy Master Plan (2014) available at http://www.energy.gov.ng

National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria available at

http://nso.nigeria.opendataforafrica.org/pyxeowb/nigeria-crude-oil-reserves

Table 2: ENERGY STATISTICS (EJ)

* Latest available data

** Energy consumption = Primary energy consumption + Net import (Import - Export) of secondary energy.

*** Solid fuels include coal, lignite and fuel wood

Sources: 1. National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria; Available at http://nso.nigeria.opendataforafrica.org/hzjgfve/nigeria-total-primary-energy-production-consumption-energy-intensity-1980-2011 and http://nso.nigeria.opendataforafrica.org/nchyptf/nigeria-primary-energy-consumption-quadrillion-btu

1. U.S. Energy Information Administration on International Energy Statistics; Available at http://www.eia.gov/beta/international/rankings/#?prodact=44-2&iso=NGA&pid=44&aid=2&tl_id=2-A&tl_type=a&cy=2013

2. Energy Commission of Nigeria; Draft National Energy Masterplan (NEMP) 2014 Ed. Available at http://www.energy.gov.ng

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), in 2005, enacted the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) in line with its overarching economic and energy policies. In order to engender greater efficiency and sustainability in the system, a process of reforms was established to re-structure the electric power sector and dissolve the monopoly of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), a government’s agency, in the generation, transmission and distribution of the centralized grid power. Thus, the EPSRA is aimed at liberalizing the power sector which led to the creation of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), with the mandate to regulate the electricity sector based on free market economic principles and thereby create a level playing field for all interested stakeholders/private sector, such as the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), to participate in the electric power sector and the establishment of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) responsible for the national grid.

In the light of the current power situation in the country, and in spite of the current liberalization process, the Federal Government is still investing in the power sector in order to increase the generation capacity through the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) being implemented across the country. Most of the additional capacity would be thermal (Gas) plants with renewable such as solar, biomass and wind contributing a minimal amount. Nuclear power has been factored into the energy mix, and it is expected that the first nuclear power plant of 1,200MWe capacity will be commissioned by 2025.

The National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) under the auspices of the National Planning Commission has also set several targets for the electricity sector covering the period 2014-2043. The overreaching goal is to increase average generation capacity from the present capacity of about 7GW to 350GW by the end of 2043 and to ensure sufficient transmission and distribution capacity for delivery of this energy output to end users. This will require Nigeria to build excess of 10,000MW of capacity per annum for the next 30 years.

The Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 which is being fully implemented has divested government interest in all generation and distribution activities. This led to the establishment of the generation, transmission and distribution sub-sectors of the electric power sector.

The generation sub-sector is divided into three components: (a) 6 Generation Companies (GenCos), (b) Independent Power Producers (IPPs), 70 of which have been issued licenses and (c) National Independent Power Project (NIPPs), 10 of which have a combined capacity of 5,455 MW.

The Transmission sub-sector under the purview of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is made up of two departments; System Operator (SO) and Market Operator (MO). Currently, the transmission capacity of the Nigerian Electricity Transmission system is made up of about 5,523.8 km of 330 KV lines and 6,801.49 km of 132 KV lines.

There are 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) covering various areas in Nigeria in the distribution sub-sector of the electric power sector.

Generally, there are currently 23 grid-connected generating plants in operation in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) with a total installed capacity of 12,522 MW and available capacity of 6,056 MW. Most generation is thermal based, with an installed capacity of 10,142.82 MW (81% of the total) and an available capacity of 5,026.48MW (83% of the total). Hydropower from three major plants accounts for 1,938.4 MW of total installed capacity (and an available capacity of 1,060 MW).

Table 3: ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY

(1) Electricity transmission losses are not deducted.

* Latest available data *

Sources: 1. National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria. Available at http://nso.nigeria.opendataforafrica.org/dcrwydd/nigeria-electricity-installed-capacity-million-kilowatts

and http://nso.nigeria.opendataforafrica.org/qvzlsqg/nigeria-electricity-net-generation-billion-kwh

2. U.S. Energy Information Administration on International Energy Statistics; Available at http://www.eia.gov/beta/international/data/browser/#?ord=CR&cy=1980&v=H&vo=0&so=0&io=0&start=1980&end=2014&vs=INTL.2-2-NGA-BKWH.A&c=00000000000000000000000000000004&pa=0000002000000000000007vo70000fvu&f=A&ug=g&ct=0&tl_type=p&tl_id=2-A&s=

Table 4: ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

(1) Net import/Total energy consumption.

Sources: WorldBank

http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC?locations=NG&start=1980

http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.USE.PCAP.KG.OE?locations=NG&start=1980

National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria

http://nso.nigeria.opendataforafrica.org/aygduk/nigeria-energy-profile

Nigeria has for decades, been involved in many peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. However, the Federal Government’s effort to improve the energy generation in the country necessitated the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Energy Resources in 2004. In the report of the committee, nuclear power was recommended as a major potential source for consideration in the country. Consequently, in June 2005, another Inter-Ministerial Committee was inaugurated to evaluate the feasibility of launching a national programme to deploy nuclear energy for electricity generation in the country. The committee’s report was favourable.

Based on these studies and in keeping with the provisions in the national energy policy to deploy nuclear energy for electricity generation, the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) which was established by Act 46 of July 1976 was subsequently activated in 2006. As provided for in the Act, NAEC is designated as the national focal agency to develop the framework and technical pathway to explore, exploit and harness atomic energy for peaceful applications in all its ramifications for the socioeconomic development of Nigeria in conformity with the policies of the Federal Government.

In compliance with the Presidential directive at the inauguration of the Board of NAEC, the Commission developed a national nuclear power road map that was approved and adopted by the Federal Executive Council in February, 2007. Furthermore, the Commission developed the attendant Strategic Plan for the Implementation of the National Nuclear Power Programme in 2009 which was also approved by FGN.

Based on the NAEC Act, and the Federal Government’s decision as contained in Council decisions EC38(06)12, and EC5(07)9, and Presidential directive (PRES/101) of February 27, 2007, the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission is empowered and designated as the national agency vested with the responsibility for the implementation of the national nuclear power programme. In this regard, NAEC is the focal agency for liaison and partnership with the IAEA and other development partners for the programme planning and implementation.

Chronologically, the various activities leading to the activation of the nuclear power programme can be listed as follows:

1. The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) was created by Act No.46 of 1976; but did not become operational; not activated!

2. As part of the national manpower training and capacity building effort, two university-based nuclear energy centres were established in 1978 in Ile-Ife and Zaria. A third centre was established in 1991 at the Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja

3. The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN); created by Decree 62 of 1979, is mandated to enunciate the national energy policy, taking into consideration the national energy needs, the available resources and how best to exploit them on a short-, medium- and long-term basis to meet the national needs.

4. The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) created by Act 19 of 1995, and mandated to regulate all nuclear activities in the country, including the enforcement of all nuclear laws and regulations, was activated and became operational in May, 2001.

5. The low electricity generation necessitated the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Energy Resources in 2004. Nuclear was identified as a major potential source for consideration in Nigeria

6. Inter-Ministerial Committee on Nuclear Power (NP) Programme was inaugurated and a Technical Committee on Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) mandated to evaluate the feasibility of deploying NPP in June 2005.

7. NAEC was activated in April 2006; and 10-member Governing Board headed by Mr. President inaugurated in July 2006

8. National Nuclear Power Roadmap was approved and adopted by the Federal Government for implementation in February, 2007.

9. The Strategic Plan for the Implementation of the National Nuclear Power Programme was approved in December, 2009. This strategic plan was revised in 2015.

The national management framework for the implementation of the nuclear power programme is depicted in Figure 1. The various institutions in the national management framework and their respective mandates are as follows: The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), as mandated by its enabling act is the national focal institution for the formulation, design and implementation of NP programme in Nigeria. The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) is the national nuclear regulator; established by Act 19 of 1995 empowered to licence and regulate the operations of the nuclear power industry and the use of radioactive sources. The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) develops and enunciates the national energy policy, taking into consideration the national energy needs, available energy resources and prescribes a suitable exploitation and utilization strategy. The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is responsible for electricity pricing. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESRA) is responsible for environmental protection. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is responsible for emergency planning and management.

FIG. 1. National Nuclear Power Management Framework

In order to achieve the objective of the Federal Government’s decision on the National Nuclear Power Programme in conformity with the prevailing law, the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) is designated as the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO). The NAEC organogram is displayed in figure 2.

FIG. 2. The Organogram of NAEC

However, the sustainable and successful implementation of the programme entails full participation of several other national stakeholder institutions. These agencies and institutions constitute the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementation Committee (NEPIC). Each of these institutions performs specific roles in conformity with their designated mandates. Nevertheless, NAEC plays the central role of coordinating the inputs from each of these organizations to ensure synergy. The areas of contribution of agencies which constitute the NEPIC are as shown in Figure 3.

.

FIG. 3. The Nuclear Energy Implementation Committee (NEPIC)

Table 5: STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

NOT APPLICABLE

NOT APPLICABLE

The Nigeria government has shown firm commitment to introduce nuclear power into its energy mix. As part of the government’s programme to deploy nuclear power plants for electricity generation in the country, the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission was activated in April 2006, and a 10-member Governing Board headed by Mr. President was inaugurated in July 2006. Thereafter, a National Nuclear Power Roadmap and Strategy for its implementation were approved and adopted by the Federal Government for implementation in February, 2007 and 2009 respectively.

The nuclear roadmap which is encapsulated in a Technical Framework for NPP deployment consists of three phases, namely:

1. Manpower Training, Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development;

2. Design Certification; Siting; Regulatory and Licensing Approvals; and

3. Construction and Start-up.

The strategic plan for the implementation of the programme is aimed at enabling Nigeria to:

1. Generate electricity from NPP in twelve years; and

2. Develop the local capacity to internalize nuclear power as a major source of electricity for the long-term energy security of the country.

In this regards, the strategy has the following targets:

1. Supply of electricity from a nuclear power plant into the national grid by 2025 and building the nuclear capacity up to 4,800 MWe by 2035;

2. Develop the requisite indigenous manpower and capacity to ensure the continuous availability of human capital and infrastructure base for the operation and maintenance of the nuclear power plants;

3. Laying a solid foundation for the localisation of nuclear technology; and

4. Catalysing the strengthening and expansion of the integrity and capacity of the national electricity grid to cope with the introduction of NPPs.

The Strategic Plan, as shown in Figure 4, is broken into three parts. The first part of the Strategic Plan (the short-term) ensures adequate government commitment and deals with the immediate activities of putting in place the project management structures to effectively launch and implement the programme. The medium-term strategy entails sustained government commitment and all the activities that will lead to the construction and operation of the first NPP; while the long-term phase of the strategy addresses the issues of expanding the NPP programme to build multiple units, spent fuel and waste management.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the acquisition of NPP via a BOO(T) turnkey contractual arrangement. Nigeria attained the IAEA milestone 1 in 2009 and concluded the IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission for Phase 2 in June 2015. Currently, Nigeria is implementing an Integrated Work Plan (IWP) developed with the assistance of the IAEA to fulfil the IAEA INIR mission recommendations for the attainment of milestone 2

FIG. 4. Strategic Plan for Nigeria’s NP Programme Implementation

Table 6: PLANNED NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

In light of the FGN decision to acquire the first set of NPPs through a Build-Own-Operate and Transfer (BOOT) contractual arrangement, the bidding process would be a selective one involving appropriate Inter-governmental agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the country of the vendor company, which will adequately address the key elements of safety and security as well as fuel cycle issues. It is expected that a Special-Purpose-Vehicle (SPV) in the form of a “Joint Stock Company” (JSC), created in accordance with Nigerian laws and corporate governance with a Foreign Technical Partner (FTP) will serve as the Owner/Operator. The owner/operator company in the BOO(T) arrangement would have the requisite expertise.

NAEC, in the meantime functions as the national entity for project development pending the establishment of the JSC. The Commission has taken the initial planning responsibility for the implementation of these specified activities. However, these responsibilities shall be assumed by the JSC after the Contractual Agreement.

Project reporting mechanisms, acceptance procedures and criteria will be the direct responsibility of the FTP of the JSC which is deemed to be an experienced nuclear utility company. It is expected that the FTP of the JSC will have the specified skills for project development and commissioning. Roles, responsibilities and interfaces between the JSC partners and other national organizations will be adequately specified in the Contractual Agreement.

In order to ensure adequate national/indigenous participation in the NPP project management, starting from the planning stage through design to commissioning and operation, intense relevant education and training programmes are being implemented via national, bilateral and multilateral international cooperation. This and stakeholder/industrial involvement would ensure the availability of a pool of indigenous skilled workforce in the project. Finally, this drive will be greatly enhanced in the implementation of the IWP to meet with the IAEA INIR mission recommendations for attainment of Milestone 2.

Moreover, appropriate management systems and structures are being developed for both the NAEC and NNRA. Currently, the Nuclear Power Plant Development (NPPD) Directorate, working in concert with other technical directorates, performs the core functions of planning as a project developer for the NPP owner/operator company.

The FGN has decided that the mode of financing the first set of NPPs would be through a BOO(T) contractual arrangement by the establishment of a Joint Stock Company (JSC), created in accordance with Nigerian laws and corporate governance with a Foreign Technical Partner (FTP).

Financing will be provided by the JSC which is expected to hold majority and controlling stake. The roles of the JSC, FTP and the National Minority shareholders will be specified in the Contractual Agreements. The FGN and the Government of the FTP country will enter into an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to streamline the modalities of the ownership structure and financing of the project. Financial guarantees for the BOO(T) arrangement shall be provided by FGN through the creation and entering into enforceable advance Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

The financial risks shall be managed by the JSC. However, the FGN is to create the enabling environment to reduce the risks. This includes the establishment of the PPAs, a stable regulatory environment and the requisite national security. .

The Nigerian Radioactive Waste Management Policy and Strategy Framework address the proposed means for funding the spent fuel, waste management and decommissioning through the establishment of a Radioactive Waste Management Fund. However, some other specifics will be provided for in the Contractual Agreement.

Funding for the activities of NAEC is through the annual national budget and special intervention fund. This provides the source for funding the Nuclear Power Infrastructure (NPI) development. The FGN is committed to providing the necessary funding for Phase 3 NPI development through the budgeting processes and special intervention funding, while funding for the regulatory body is provided by the FGN through the national budget and from licensing fees.

Other specific funding obligations shall be provided for in the Contractual Agreement.

There are on-going national programmes to strengthen and stabilize the national electricity transmission grid. In this regard, the report of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan 2013, estimates an optimistic increased power generation of 40GW by 2020. A component of the projected generation, 10,000MW from gas-fired and Hydro plants, would be provided through the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP).

In addition, the National Energy Policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2013, envisages an expected introduction of nuclear power (4% contribution).

In preparedness for increasing power generation, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has continually conducted relevant grid analyses to improve reliability, stability, and capacity as well as identify requisite requirements for needed expansion. The report of the MHI/TCN 10GW PSSE Based System Study, 2013, identified the required upgrades for grid system expansion from the current 4.5GW network model to the 10GW network model expected to be in full operation by December, 2017.

Presently, TCN is implementing refurbishment and expansion programmes and it is expected that by 2017, increased network reliability and expansion of up to 10GW will be achieved. Furthermore, yearly targets of 3GW addition will ensure the attainment of 20GW by 2020.

For the medium and long-term, further grid expansion work is being implemented to accommodate the expected power generation of 30GW – 40GW by 2020. The main elements of this expansion are to strengthen and increase transmission capacity, with immediate focus on the cross-national grid, as well as increase distribution capacity, with priority placed on making power available for industrial users and reducing distribution losses.

The Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 which is being fully implemented has divested government interest in all generation and distribution activities. However, due to its peculiar and strategic importance, the FGN still maintains direct responsibility and control of the transmission grid. Consequently, the grid expansion and enhancement programmes are being funded by the Federal Government through the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) and other direct intervention programmes. However, in view of the huge investment required to meet up with the enhancement programme, government decided to involve private participation through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

The national grid is already interconnected to others through the West African Power Pool which is being constantly upgraded. For instance, Nigeria supplies electricity to other neighbouring countries such as Niger and Benin Republics. Consequently, the requisite legal instruments for interconnectivity of the grid already exist.

FIG. 5. The Electric Grid Network System in Nigeria Showing the Super-grid

The grid improvement programme of the FGN includes both expansion and stabilization. It is therefore believed that the envisaged connection of nuclear power plants to the grid will be adequately accommodated.

The IAEA graded approach for siting a NPP was used in the identification, ranking and evaluation of possible sites for the Nigerian NPPs. The process was started with a technical meeting on siting which was organised by NAEC in partnership with the IAEA in December, 2007. During this meeting, seven possible areas which were quite large in size were identified and some broad preliminary data of the areas were presented for discussion. Subsequently, two field visits were conducted to the sites. These provided the basis for some technical characterization and evaluation. Three areas were first eliminated and for the remaining four areas, the size of the land areas were significantly reduced and further more specific evaluation was done.

The IAEA Guides NS-R-3 was used as the technical basis for choosing the possible sites. NAEC’s report on siting activities, TECDOC/SSF-TR-1007, contains the detailed site survey conducted on the initial seven potential sites. Exclusion, avoidance and suitability criteria covering security, heat removal capability, accessibility as well as engineering requirements were used in the subsequent selection of four candidate sites from the seven potential areas.

The report on ranking of the four candidate sites was finalized with significant input from an IAEA Siting Mission in February, 2012. NAEC’s TECDOC/SSF-TR-1112 contains the preliminary report on the ranking. Consequently, two preferred sites have emerged and have been recommended for government approval, and they are:

• Geregu/Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State in the North Central Zone of the country.

• Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State in the South-South Zone.

The detailed site characterization studies to validate their suitability and identification of appropriate site-specific design criteria will be conducted with the vendor (FTP) during the next phase of siting. This will take into consideration full cognisance of the provisions of the NNRA regulations on “Licensing of Sites for Nuclear Power Plants”.

The preliminary site evaluation report with the ranking of the candidate sites covers such major criteria as, Hydrology, Cooling water requirements, Geotechnical, Meteorology & Climatology and Geology & Seismicity. Others include Safety & Security, Feasibility of Emergency Plans, Human Induced Events, Demography, Accessibility, Grid connectivity, Environment & Socio-economics and Public Acceptance. These criteria are in conformity with the draft NNRA regulation for “Licensing of Sites for Nuclear Power Plants”, (SHDOC/S3-DR-14).

The characteristics of the preferred sites are such that they could accommodate multiple power units. They are also suitable after development to contain the interim fuel storage and waste conditioning facility. However, the specifics of this will evolve during the licensing process. These form part of the national strategy for the management of the back-end of fuel cycle.

There are plans to provide basic physical infrastructure at the site such as access roads, water supply and other utilities. Funding for the implementation of these activities shall be provided by government. However, actual construction and development activities will commence on securing the site license. Further specific technical development for the project will be finalized after signing of the Contractual Agreement.

The capacity building and infrastructure development components of the national programme have been expanded with the addition of four nuclear research centres, bringing the number of nuclear research based centres under the aegis of the Commission to seven namely:

1. Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State;

2. Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State;

3. Nuclear Technology Centre (NTC), Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, FCT.

4. Centre for Nuclear Energy Studies (CNES), University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt

5. Centre for Nuclear Energy Research and Training (CNERT), University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri.

6. Centre for Nuclear Energy Studies and Training (CNEST), Federal University of Technology, Owerri

7. FGN-IAEA Marine Contamination Coastal Field Monitoring Station (MCCFMS), Koluama.

NOT APPLICABLE

Nigeria has benefited, in the area of nuclear power development, from the Technical Cooperation assistance of the IAEA through the following programmes:

1. Energy Planning Studies Using Appropriate Analytical Tools;

2. Feasibility Study for NPP development;

3. Development of Legislative Framework for NPP Implementation;

4. Development of Regulatory Framework and Infrastructure;

5. Developing Capacities in Pre-Project Activities for Nuclear Power Projects;

6. Developing Nuclear Power Infrastructure Aimed at Education, Training and Facility Development for a Successful Implementation of the Approved National Nuclear Power Programme;

7. Developing Nuclear Power Infrastructure for Education and Training and National Capacity for Radioactive Waste Management; and

8. Development of a Comprehensive National Radioactive Waste Management System and Disposal Facility, among others.

The Government of Nigeria is also exploring avenues for further international cooperation for the implementation of the nuclear power programs. These will entail bilateral as well as multilateral cooperation agreements. Furthermore, Nigeria has decided to sign up as a partner with GNEP initiative, and at the appropriate time, will also fully participate in the INPRO project. Nigeria has also signed a cooperation agreement on nuclear power development with the Russian Federation. Some other agreements are also being considered.

The Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) was created by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act 19 of 1995 (Act 19 of 1995) and became operational in 2001. It is mandated to regulate all nuclear activities in the country, including the enforcement of all nuclear laws and regulations. It is also empowered to enforce all ratified and/or domesticated nuclear related international laws and treaties. NNRA is also responsible for radiation protection and nuclear safety. Its organogram and structure are depicted in Figure 6.

FIG. 6. Organogram of Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA)

Currently, procedures for the licensing of nuclear power facilities have being developed by the NNRA in the Guidance document on the Licensing Process for Nuclear Power Plants. Draft regulations for NPP site licensing have been developed and are being considered for gazetting.