AMID calls for the diversification of sources of power supply as a way out of the nation's endemic electricity crisis, the move by the Federal Government to pursue the atomic energy option is neither realistic nor comforting. In fact, it is ill-timed and misplaced, coming when the country has hardly exploited the abundant and safer alternative energy sources at its disposal. Short of being discredited, nuclear energy path is fraught with grave danger as to demand caution from technologically advanced countries, let alone Nigeria that is struggling perpetually with the simplest of scientific devices. President Goodluck Jonathan should pursue the green technology alternative that is in vogue and safer, to address the energy crisis. Attempting to focus on nuclear energy at this time will amount to wasting time and scarce resources.It is against this background that the recent inauguration of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission by the president should be viewed. The commission reportedly was established by Act 46 of 1976 (some 35 years ago), as a specialised agency for the promotion and development of nuclear technology. Its mandate is 'to develop the frame-work and technical pathway to explore, exploit and harness atomic energy for peaceful application in all its ramifications for the socio-economic development of Nigeria'. President Jonathan had at the inauguration charged the commission 'to quickly evolve implementable plans and time-lines for delivery of atomic energy for peaceful purposes in the country'. He reiterated that it is part of the Federal Government's long-term plan for steady energy supply in the country.Following its establishment 35 years ago, the commission notably has not achieved anything outside theory. In 2006, former President Olusegun Obasanjo sought to reactivate it. But there has not been anything to suggest that the country is prepared for an adventure into nuclear technology. Ordinarily, 35 years is long enough for a serious country to lay a solid foundation on nuclear research in this respect. Rather, the country seems to be depending on foreign assistance to develop its nuclear capacity, quite unlike other countries involved in such endeavour.Besides, there is also no evidence that the law setting up the commission has ever been reviewed to reflect current realities; as the leading countries in nuclear technology are constantly reviewing their mechanisms. Worldwide, nuclear power option is no longer fashionable, especially, after the disastrous nuclear accident that ravaged northeast Japan, following the March 11, 2011 monstrous 9.0 earthquake and tsunami. The Japanese are protesting against nuclear energy. On September 12, thousands of Japanese protesters gathered in Tokyo calling for an end to nuclear energy in Japan. Not only that, there have been mass protests against nuclear energy in Spain, Germany and the United States; while Australia, Denmark, Greece, Italy, among other countries, remain vehemently opposed to its development.It does appear that whether or not nuclear power is for peaceful purpose or otherwise, its development is laden with danger, the outburst of which can spell doom for nations. The fact that Japan's nuclear technology is used totally for peaceful purposes did not spare her from such disaster. This danger is heightened for a country such as Nigeria without sufficient understanding of the ramifications of nuclear energy, or grasp of basic infrastructure. To dabble into such technology would be foolhardy against our lack of capacity. Nigeria would do well to, for now, concentrate on providing the basics like good roads, electric power from conventional sources, developing the railways and waterways and beefing up her educational and health capacity.Further as a first step, the country should harness her water resources, water being a critical component of a nuclear reactor for cooling. At the moment, water is a luxury in many parts of Nigeria. Research institutions and the universities that can provide necessary back-up for nuclear stations are all ill-equipped. Neither is the required manpower available. The University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), had in the 70s attempted to embark on nuclear energy research by acquiring an accelerator that has since been abandoned under the weight of neglect and under-funding. Hardly has there been any similar attempt anywhere in the country since then.Rather than use every platform at his disposal to make political statements that are not grounded in policy, President Jonathan should insist on concrete plan, situated within an overall framework, before embracing ventures prepared by official technocrats. For now, he should insist on developing coal, solar, wind and even hydro-power energy potential, much of which are more environmentally friendly, and are wasting away. What happened in Japan and Chernobyl should be a lesson to all countries to re-think nuclear power. Nigeria should not be an exception.
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