Nigeria to tap nuclear energy for economic devt – Jonathan

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the administration under his leadership will

continue to pursue efforts to harness nuclear energy and technology for socio-economic development.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said President Jonathan will continue to support all efforts against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, saying that the world must respect the right of countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy for development purposes.

“As a developing country, Nigeria needs to harness nuclear technology for socio-economic development. It is for this reason we subscribe to the view that international and regional cooperation efforts should be based on the principle of maintaining a balance between nuclear non-proliferation obligations and the inalienable right of States to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy for development purposes.

“While this is important, we would also like to draw attention to the need to maintain the highest standards of nuclear safety and security in establishing peaceful nuclear facilities”, he said.

He told the gathering that in keeping with Nigeria’s commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the peaceful use of nuclear technology, the Federal Government has submitted an executive bill to the National Assembly to accommodate the country’s obligations under international treaties on nuclear safety and security.

“Nigeria accords high priority to all global efforts towards ending the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including nuclear weapons. To this end, Nigeria has since the last Summit in Seoul, strengthened the legal framework for fighting terrorism through the adoption in 2013, of an amendment to its Terrorism (Prevention) Act, thus ensuring the implementation of more robust counter-terrorism measures in the country”, he stated.