42nd IAEA General Conference

Nigeria, HE Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, Presidential Adviser on Petroleum & Energy, Leader of the Nigerian Delegation:

As energy demand is expected to double by the year 2030, it is important to determine what role the nuclear energy option can play in Nigeria’s energy policy. Nigeria’s nuclear energy programmes are geared towards maximizing scientific research and upgrading its technical infrastructure. The country’s efforts are supported by the Agency-assisted Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) project at the Center for Energy Research & Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The infrastructure for the project is complete and the MNSR installed. The appropriate legal instrument for the establishment of the National Regulatory Authority has also been approved. Other activities of the IAEA, including the application of nuclear techniques, pesticides control, human health and water resources development and management are also of direct relevance to Nigeria. These activities are not only geared toward the socio-economic development of Member States, but also promote sustainable development. The speaker urged the Agency to reassess its strategies to increase its activities in regions lacking clean potable water. Nigeria benefited from nine projects under the Agency’s programme in the application of nuclear techniques, including agriculture, health care delivery system, radiotherapy and oncology, nuclear activation analysis, neo-natal hypothyroidism screening, monitoring of pesticide residues in foodstuffs, cross-breeding of indigenous cattle for milk production and monitoring of workers’ exposure to environmental hazards. In addition, the model projects were also carried out under the AFRA Regional programmes. The speaker asked for further bolder steps in these areas in developing countries. This would enable them to gain more experience in developing techniques for the improvement of food production, to stem the acute food shortages and ensure food security in several Member States. The training activities of the Agency under the Technical Assistance and Cooperation Fund (TACF), allow developing Member States the opportunity to develop and improve on their indigenous capabilities and expertise. The Agency should expand opportunities for training rather than contract, as is being presently proposed. The speaker noted that the demand for the Agency’s activities is increasing and should be accompanied by an increase in its resources. He urged Member States to review the principle of Zero Real Growth budget constraint in order to enable the Agency to fulfill the tasks entrusted to it by Member States. He commended the Agency’s Safeguards System which has made great contributions to the global non-proliferation regime. However, new areas of verification are emerging, with the attendant problem of how to finalise their funding arrangements

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Nigeria, HE Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, Presidential Adviser on Petroleum & Energy, Leader of the Nigerian Delegation:



As energy demand is expected to double by the year 2030, it is important to determine what role the nuclear energy option can play in Nigeria’s energy policy. Nigeria’s nuclear energy programmes are geared towards maximizing scientific research and upgrading its technical infrastructure. The country’s efforts are supported by the Agency-assisted Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) project at the Center for Energy Research & Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The infrastructure for the project is complete and the MNSR installed. The appropriate legal instrument for the establishment of the National Regulatory Authority has also been approved. Other activities of the IAEA, including the application of nuclear techniques, pesticides control, human health and water resources development and management are also of direct relevance to Nigeria. These activities are not only geared toward the socio-economic development of Member States, but also promote sustainable development. The speaker urged the Agency to reassess its strategies to increase its activities in regions lacking clean potable water. Nigeria benefited from nine projects under the Agency’s programme in the application of nuclear techniques, including agriculture, health care delivery system, radiotherapy and oncology, nuclear activation analysis, neo-natal hypothyroidism screening, monitoring of pesticide residues in foodstuffs, cross-breeding of indigenous cattle for milk production and monitoring of workers’ exposure to environmental hazards. In addition, the model projects were also carried out under the AFRA Regional programmes. The speaker asked for further bolder steps in these areas in developing countries. This would enable them to gain more experience in developing techniques for the improvement of food production, to stem the acute food shortages and ensure food security in several Member States. The training activities of the Agency under the Technical Assistance and Cooperation Fund (TACF), allow developing Member States the opportunity to develop and improve on their indigenous capabilities and expertise. The Agency should expand opportunities for training rather than contract, as is being presently proposed. The speaker noted that the demand for the Agency’s activities is increasing and should be accompanied by an increase in its resources. He urged Member States to review the principle of Zero Real Growth budget constraint in order to enable the Agency to fulfill the tasks entrusted to it by Member States. He commended the Agency’s Safeguards System which has made great contributions to the global non-proliferation regime. However, new areas of verification are emerging, with the attendant problem of how to finalise their funding arrangements