Energy
Africa’s Nuclear Push Faces Growing Scrutiny as Experts Warn Nigeria Against Costly Energy Gamble
A coalition of African environmental activists, economists, legal experts, and civil society groups has warned that the growing push for nuclear energy across Africa could deepen debt, increase foreign dependence, and divert attention from the continent’s vast renewable energy potential.
The warning came during an expert workshop on new nuclear power plants organised by Renevlyn Development Initiative and Tipping Point North South in Lagos, where speakers urged journalists to investigate nuclear projects more critically and hold governments accountable over transparency, safety, and financing concerns.
The event, held at Event Place by Sweet Sensation, brought together campaigners and experts from Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to discuss what participants repeatedly described as Africa’s “nuclear misadventure”.
Nigeria’s Nuclear Ambitions Under Fire
Opening the workshop, environmental activist Philip Jakpor said Nigeria’s proposed nuclear programme has largely operated without public scrutiny since discussions began nearly two decades ago.
According to him, Nigeria signed an agreement with Russian state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom in 2007 to develop nuclear facilities capable of generating about 4,800 megawatts by 2035.
Jakpor argued that communities earmarked for the projects were not consulted before plans were announced publicly.
“Nigeria cannot properly secure existing oil infrastructure, yet we are discussing nuclear facilities in a country facing major security challenges,” he said.
He added that journalists and civil society organisations continue to struggle to obtain official information about the status, financing, and safety framework of the project.
The debate comes as Nigeria continues to battle chronic electricity shortages despite being Africa’s largest economy. The country currently generates roughly 4,000 megawatts for an estimated population of over 200 million people, with repeated national grid collapses worsening electricity access.
Experts Say Nuclear Energy Is a ‘False Climate Solution’
One of the strongest interventions at the event came from Deborah Burton, author of the report Africa’s Nuclear Energy Misadventure.
Burton argued that nuclear power is being marketed to African governments as a clean energy solution despite unresolved concerns over radioactive waste, environmental damage, financing, and community displacement.
“Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar resources, yet attention is shifting toward one of the most expensive and risky energy systems,” she said.
Her presentation outlined six major concerns surrounding nuclear expansion in Africa:
Long construction timelines that fail to address urgent energy needs
Health and environmental risks linked to radiation and waste
Massive financial costs that could undermine renewable investment
Corruption risks tied to large-scale international contracts
Community displacement and poor consultation processes
Geopolitical competition among global powers seeking influence in Africa
Burton also highlighted Ghana’s agreement with US-based NuScale Power for small modular reactors, warning that African countries could become testing grounds for competing foreign nuclear technologies.
She maintained that solar, wind, and geothermal power remain safer and more sustainable alternatives for the continent.
Fadhel Kaboub: ‘Africa Is Being Drawn Into a New Dependency Cycle’
Economist Fadhel Kaboub delivered one of the event’s most detailed critiques of Africa’s nuclear ambitions, framing the debate as part of a wider struggle over economic sovereignty.
Kaboub argued that the global push for nuclear projects in Africa is less about solving energy poverty and more about preserving geopolitical control and economic dependency.
“Africa is being positioned as the last frontier for a declining nuclear industry,” he said.
According to Kaboub, major global powers including Russia, China, France, the United States, Japan, and South Korea are competing for influence over Africa’s future energy infrastructure.
He argued that nuclear energy creates long-term dependency because African countries would rely on foreign governments and corporations for:
Fuel supply
Reactor maintenance
Insurance systems
Technical expertise
Security operations
Waste management
Kaboub cited figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency showing that Africa could potentially generate up to 1,000 times its projected electricity demand through renewable energy using existing technologies.
Yet despite this potential, he said Africa receives only about 1% of global renewable energy financing.
“The issue is not lack of resources. The issue is the political and economic structure that keeps Africa dependent on imported technologies,” he said.
Kaboub proposed what he described as “clean energy sovereignty” through decentralized renewable systems, public ownership of energy infrastructure, regional industrial cooperation, and technology transfer rather than technology imports.
He added that Africa’s energy transition should focus on practical outcomes such as powering hospitals, schools, irrigation systems, and small businesses instead of prestige megaprojects.
Kenyan Campaigners Cite Public Participation Failures
Speakers from Kenya detailed how community resistance campaigns successfully blocked a proposed nuclear plant in Uyombo before authorities reportedly shifted attention elsewhere.
Lance Mbani and Anthony Kingi said local communities only became aware of the project after information surfaced publicly.
The activists accused Kenyan authorities of failing to guarantee procedural environmental rights, including access to information and meaningful public consultation.
Mbani said the proposed site was initially located near ecologically sensitive coastal forests and marine ecosystems.
“Kenya already generates around 95% of its electricity from renewable sources. The focus should be on expanding community-owned renewable systems, not introducing nuclear risks,” he said.
The Kenyan campaigners credited local organising, legal training, and media partnerships for helping communities challenge the project.
Zambia Weighs Nuclear Future Despite Renewable Potential
Chansa Kaluba warned that Zambia’s growing interest in nuclear development could sideline the country’s significant renewable energy resources.
Kaluba said Zambia currently relies heavily on hydropower but has major untapped solar and wind capacity alongside roughly 3,000 hours of sunlight annually.
Despite this, the country has moved ahead with nuclear policy planning and international cooperation agreements with countries including the United States and South Korea.
Civil society organisations and faith groups in Zambia, he said, have already mobilised against proposed nuclear projects over fears of displacement and debt.
Russian Nuclear Influence Raises Geopolitical Questions
Russian activist Vladimir Slivyak described Rosatom as both an energy corporation and a strategic arm of the Russian state.
He said Russia dominates large portions of the global nuclear fuel market and uses state-backed financing to expand influence in developing countries.
“Technological dependence often becomes political dependence,” Slivyak warned.
He also alleged that Rosatom personnel have been involved in occupied Ukrainian nuclear facilities since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Nuclear Power and Climate Politics
South African activist Makoma Lekalakala challenged claims that nuclear energy represents a climate-friendly transition pathway.
Lekalakala argued that uranium mining, fuel processing, and plant construction create significant carbon emissions and environmental damage often excluded from public discussions.
She warned that African governments pursuing nuclear energy could become trapped in long-term debt while still failing to solve energy access challenges.
“Nuclear is too slow and too expensive for the urgency of Africa’s electricity crisis,” she said.
Journalists Urged to Investigate Nuclear Deals
Closing the workshop, environmental lawyer Chima Williams urged journalists to pursue investigative reporting on nuclear agreements and use freedom of information laws to uncover hidden details.
Williams said governments often manage nuclear programmes secretly while publicly denying their scope.
“Journalists must rely on facts and legal protections while asking difficult questions,” he said.
He argued that partnerships between reporters, lawyers, and civil society groups would be critical in ensuring public accountability as African governments continue exploring nuclear partnerships.
Why the Debate Matters
The discussion reflects a broader debate unfolding across Africa as governments seek solutions to chronic electricity shortages, rising energy demand, and climate pressures.
Countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia, and Morocco have all announced varying levels of nuclear interest, while South Africa remains the continent’s only operator of a commercial nuclear power plant.
Supporters argue nuclear energy could provide stable baseload electricity and reduce fossil fuel dependence. Critics, however, say Africa risks repeating cycles of foreign dependency while ignoring cheaper and faster renewable alternatives.
JMG Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading integrated electromechanical solutions companies, is celebrating its 28th anniversary, highlighting nearly three decades of expansion from a power generator supplier into a diversified engineering and infrastructure business.
Founded in June 1998, the company says it has evolved alongside Nigeria’s growing industrial and energy demands, providing solutions in power generation, electrical infrastructure, cooling systems, elevators, escalators, compressed air systems, and renewable energy technologies.
The milestone comes at a time when businesses across Nigeria continue to face challenges around energy reliability, infrastructure development, and sustainability, making engineering and power solutions increasingly critical to economic growth.
Why It Matters
Reliable power remains one of the biggest challenges facing businesses, healthcare institutions, manufacturers, and commercial facilities in Nigeria.
Companies operating in the energy and engineering sectors are increasingly investing in renewable technologies and infrastructure projects aimed at reducing dependence on diesel generators while improving operational efficiency.
JMG says its transition from a generator-focused business into a broader engineering solutions provider reflects changing market demands and Nigeria’s push toward cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
Company Reflects on 28-Year Journey
Speaking on the anniversary, JMG Chief Commercial Officer, Rabi Jammal, described the occasion as a celebration of resilience, innovation, and customer trust.
“Twenty-eight years ago, JMG was founded with a mission to provide dependable power solutions. Today, we have grown into a comprehensive electromechanical solutions provider, delivering technologies that help businesses operate efficiently, sustainably, and competitively. As we look ahead, we remain committed to advancing innovation and supporting Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.”
According to the company, long-term partnerships with customers and stakeholders have played a significant role in its growth across multiple sectors of the economy.
Renewable Energy Expansion
One of the most significant developments in JMG’s recent operations has been its investment in sustainable energy projects.
The company recently commissioned solar hybrid power systems at three NIPCO fuel stations located in Gwagwalada, Lekki, and Mpape.
The installations combine solar panels, lithium battery storage systems, and smart inverter technology to provide uninterrupted power.
JMG says the systems have eliminated diesel dependence at the locations while helping reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
Industry analysts say such projects could help accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition as businesses seek alternatives to rising fuel costs and grid instability.
Supporting Critical Healthcare Infrastructure
Beyond commercial energy projects, JMG has also expanded its presence in healthcare infrastructure.
The company delivered a comprehensive electrical power infrastructure solution for the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja.
According to JMG, the project provides reliable power support for critical medical equipment, operating theatres, and essential healthcare services where uninterrupted electricity is crucial for patient care.
Experts note that dependable energy infrastructure remains a key requirement for improving healthcare outcomes across Africa.
Enhancing Accessibility Through Modern Engineering
JMG also highlighted its work at the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos.
The project involved the installation of advanced elevator and escalator systems designed to improve accessibility throughout the cultural facility.
The company said the customised solution addressed architectural challenges while helping elderly visitors and people with physical disabilities move more easily around the centre.
Accessibility advocates have increasingly called for inclusive infrastructure across public and cultural institutions in Nigeria.
Community Development Initiatives
Alongside its engineering projects, JMG says community development remains an important part of its corporate strategy.
The company reported interventions at Primary Healthcare Centres in Ketu and Bariga aimed at improving healthcare access and supporting community wellbeing.
It also cited outreach programmes for orphanage homes through the provision of essential supplies and support services for vulnerable children.
Industry Perspective
Nigeria’s engineering and energy sectors continue to evolve as organisations adopt renewable technologies and modern infrastructure systems.
Experts say companies that combine traditional power solutions with renewable energy, automation, and sustainable engineering are likely to play a larger role in supporting industrial growth and economic competitiveness.
The growing adoption of solar hybrid systems, energy-efficient infrastructure, and smart engineering technologies reflects broader efforts to improve resilience across key sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and transportation.
What’s Next for JMG?
As it enters its 29th year, JMG says it plans to deepen investments in renewable energy solutions, technical expertise, and critical infrastructure projects.
The company also says it intends to continue supporting businesses, institutions, and communities through engineering innovations designed to improve efficiency, sustainability, and long-term economic development.
Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has pledged to pursue disciplined reforms aimed at improving electricity supply, strengthening accountability and restoring confidence in the country’s power sector.
Speaking shortly after assuming office, Tegbe said his administration has already developed a structured reform strategy built around clear targets, measurable outcomes and public accountability.
The minister thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and said work began immediately after his Senate confirmation.
“We have hit the ground running,” Tegbe said, noting that his team has engaged extensively with key institutions across the electricity value chain.
Those discussions have involved the Federal Ministry of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the FGN Power Holding Company and other industry stakeholders.
Why It Matters
Nigeria’s power sector remains one of the country’s biggest economic challenges, with businesses and households frequently affected by unreliable electricity supply.
Experts have long argued that improved generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure are essential for economic growth, job creation and industrial development.
Tegbe’s commitment comes at a time when the government is facing pressure to deliver visible improvements in electricity access while attracting investment into the sector.
The minister said discussions with international development organisations and funding partners have produced encouraging signs, with several partners expressing readiness to provide liquidity support for ongoing reforms.
Industry analysts say such financial backing could help address longstanding funding gaps that have slowed infrastructure development and affected market stability.
Early Signs of Progress
Tegbe pointed to several developments that he said demonstrate momentum within the sector.
Among them is the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State.
The facility had been shut down for approximately three years but has now been restored by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, with up to 375 megawatts available for transmission into the national grid.
The minister also highlighted recent transmission upgrades carried out by TCN.
According to him, new transmission assets have been energised in Katampe, Abuja, as well as at substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, helping to strengthen grid capacity and improve electricity delivery across multiple regions.
Consumer Protection Takes Centre Stage
Tegbe also stressed the importance of protecting electricity consumers.
He referenced a recent directive by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission requiring electricity distribution companies to compensate Band A customers for supply shortfalls recorded earlier this year.
The minister described the decision as evidence that regulators are prepared to hold operators accountable while ensuring consumers receive the level of service they are paying for.
He also cited a recent incident in Abuja where teams from TCN and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company restored power within 24 hours after the unexpected failure of a 100MVA transformer.
According to Tegbe, the response demonstrated improved coordination between sector operators.
Industry and Public Perspectives
Power sector observers say the minister’s emphasis on accountability and measurable outcomes reflects growing public demand for transparency in electricity sector management.
Businesses, manufacturers and households have repeatedly called for reforms that translate into more reliable power supply and lower dependence on costly alternative energy sources such as diesel generators.
While stakeholders have welcomed the minister’s early commitments, many say long-term success will depend on consistent implementation, improved infrastructure investment and sustained regulatory enforcement.
Recognition for Sector Workers
The minister praised staff of the Federal Ministry of Power and its agencies for what he described as renewed professionalism and dedication in recent weeks.
He also commended private sector partners for their willingness to support government objectives.
Tegbe said productivity and excellence would be rewarded under his leadership, adding that collaboration between government institutions and private operators would be crucial to achieving reform targets.
What Tegbe Told Nigerians
Addressing public expectations, the minister cautioned that decades of challenges within the electricity sector cannot be solved overnight.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient while reforms are implemented.
Reiterating a commitment made during his Senate screening, Tegbe said he would avoid making unrealistic promises and instead focus on delivering measurable results.
“I will not promise what I cannot deliver, but Nigerians will see visible improvement and honest communication every step of the way,” he said.
What Happens Next?
The coming months are expected to test the government’s reform agenda as stakeholders monitor whether recent improvements can be sustained.
Key areas likely to attract attention include electricity generation capacity, transmission reliability, distribution performance, consumer protection measures and access to investment financing.
For millions of Nigerians, the ultimate measure of success will be whether reforms lead to more reliable electricity in homes, businesses and communities across the country.
Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has spent his first month in office focusing on what he describes as practical action rather than ambitious promises, as the government seeks to improve electricity supply across the country.
During his Senate confirmation screening on 6 May, Tegbe said he would not make promises he could not keep. The statement came against the backdrop of years of electricity shortages, infrastructure challenges, and public frustration over unreliable power.
Thirty days after his confirmation, the minister’s early actions suggest an effort to improve coordination across the sector while addressing some of its most pressing operational and financial challenges.
Why Nigeria’s Power Sector Matters
Electricity remains one of Nigeria’s biggest economic challenges.
Despite having an installed generation capacity of more than 13,000 megawatts, the country continues to generate and distribute far less power than is needed by households and businesses.
Experts say challenges including gas supply constraints, transmission bottlenecks, metering shortages, unpaid market debts, and weak coordination among institutions have limited progress for years.
Reliable electricity is widely regarded as critical to industrial growth, job creation, investment, and improved living standards.
Government Moves to Improve Coordination
One of the most visible aspects of Tegbe’s first month has been efforts to strengthen cooperation among agencies responsible for power generation, transmission, regulation, and market operations.
Institutions including the Ministry of Power, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), and FGN Power Holding Company have reportedly increased operational engagement.
The objective, according to government officials, is to reduce fragmentation and improve execution across the electricity value chain.
The statement, made during Tegbe’s Senate screening, has become an early theme of the administration’s approach to the sector.
Focus on Funding and Market Stability
The government is also seeking financial support to address liquidity challenges that continue to affect electricity generation and distribution.
Early engagements with international development institutions, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank, have focused on financing options that could improve market stability and support ongoing reforms.
Energy analysts say restoring confidence in the sector will require sustainable funding mechanisms alongside improvements in governance and operational efficiency.
According to the government, the discussions align with President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic reform agenda, which emphasises transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
Infrastructure Projects Begin to Show Results
Some operational improvements have already been reported.
One of the most significant developments is the revival of the Alaoji Power Plant in Abia State, which had experienced prolonged periods of inactivity.
Officials say generating units at the facility have been restored through efforts coordinated by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, returning additional capacity to the national grid.
Transmission infrastructure upgrades have also been completed at key locations, including Katampe in Abuja and facilities in Ayede and Abeokuta under the Presidential Power Initiative.
The projects are expected to strengthen grid reliability, improve transmission capacity, and reduce vulnerability to network disruptions.
Greater Focus on Consumer Protection
The sector’s regulatory environment is also seeing renewed attention.
Recently, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission directed compensation for eligible Band A customers affected by service delivery shortfalls.
The move has been viewed by consumer groups as a signal that electricity providers will increasingly be held accountable for meeting service obligations tied to premium tariffs.
Industry observers say stronger consumer protection measures could help rebuild public trust in the sector.
Industry Perspectiv
Energy experts caution that meaningful transformation of Nigeria’s power sector will take time.
Many of the sector’s structural problems have accumulated over decades and cannot be resolved within a few weeks.
However, analysts note that improved coordination among institutions, faster project execution, and increased accountability could create momentum for broader reforms.
Businesses, particularly manufacturers and small enterprises that depend heavily on alternative power sources, will be watching closely to see whether recent initiatives translate into more stable electricity supply.
What Happens Next?
While it remains too early to assess the long-term impact of the new administration’s policies, the first month has provided indications of its priorities.
The government’s focus appears centred on restoring confidence, improving coordination, addressing financing constraints, and delivering visible infrastructure improvements.
Whether those efforts result in lasting improvements to electricity supply will likely become clearer in the coming months.
For millions of Nigerians facing persistent power shortages, the key test will be whether early momentum leads to measurable improvements in daily electricity availability.
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