http://www.businessinafrica.net/news/west_africa/215061.htmLagos - The Nigerian government said it has plans to develop a nuclear energy station in line with the global trend in the world as it battles to deal with severe power shortages.
Daily Independent Newspaper, a Nigerian daily reported that president Olusegun Obasanjo declared this to the global community at the General Debate of the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
The president who was represented by Joy Ogwu, minister of foreign affairs said, "Nuclear energy has become a veritable source for socio-economic development and a reliable source for electricity generation. We note in particular the global trend for the utilisation of nuclear technology for the generation of electricity, agricultural development, human health and environmental development, especially for developing countries."
"In the context of this development and the enormous energy crisis that confronts us in Nigeria, my government has decided to inaugurate the Board of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC). With the inauguration of the board, our quest for energy self-sufficiency has begun."
Obasanjo explained that in contemplating the nuclear project, Nigeria remained resolute in its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Pelindaba Treaty on African Nuclear Weapons Free Zone, remarking that "we wish to assure the international community of our determination to restrict the use of nuclear energy for purely peaceful purposes".