Nigeria, Russia Partner To Develop Nuclear Energy

The federal government and Russia’s State Nuclear Energy Corporation have pledged to work together for the development of nuclear energy for peaceful developmental purposes.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SFG), Mr Boss Mustapha, who received Russian delegation on Tuesday in Abuja, said, “And to say that Nigeria is indeed delighted to be a strategic partner of the Russian Federation in this very important area of the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.

“Within the framework of this partnership, Nigeria (through the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission – NAEC) and the Russian Federation (through Russia’s Nuclear Energy Corporation) have both signed three Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs).

“And also signed two broad based Project Development Agreements (PDAs) for cooperation on the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes,” Mustapha said.

“Our plan as a nation is to ensure that the deployment of nuclear science and technology is done in a safe, secure and sustainable manner and in line with global best practices,” said Mustapha, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political/Economic Office, SGF office, Mr Andrew Adejo.

Vice President of JSC ROSATOM, the Russian Federation, Mr. Anton Moskvin, commended the Federal Government for the “peaceful cooperation” with Russia.

“We see very bright perspectives in our dialogue and to and for the development of the nuclear power program, peaceful program of Nigeria.”

Acting Chairman, NAEC, Mr Yusuf Ahmed, said Nigeria and Russia have had a bilateral agreement for many years to develop atomic energy.

“The ROSATOM team is here to support us in the renewed vision of implementing our different bilateral and multilateral agreements.”