The likelihood of a radiological disaster in Nigeria is no longer a hypothetical concern—it is a clear and present danger. Both probabilistic and deterministic analyses support this conclusion, especially when the safety and security of radiation sources are compromised.
Tis rather unfortunate that, Nigeria now faces a convergence of systemic failures that threatens its national safety, international obligations, and industrial development.
INSTITUTIONAL CRISIS AT THE NNRA:
The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), the nation’s statutory body responsible for radiation safety and nuclear regulation, is alarmingly underfunded and overstaffed with non-technical personnel. Nearly three-quarters of the agency’s staff reportedly lack the expertise or background necessary for nuclear oversight.
Compounding the issue is the institutional capture by non-merit-based political appointments, resulting in a management structure unable to meet its responsibilities. This administrative dysfunction has rendered NNRA ineffective and has reversed gains made in previous decades—returning Nigeria to the perilous conditions that existed prior to 1995, when the country was vulnerable to being a dumping ground for nuclear waste.
FAILURE OF OVERSIGHT AND FUNDING.
Despite being the statutory supervisors of NNRA, the National Assembly remains largely unaware or disengaged from the dangers posed by the current regulatory vacuum. The executive branch is similarly affected. Due to inadequate funding, inspections of nuclear facilities and radioactive sources have significantly declined or ceased altogether.
This neglect violates Nigeria’s obligations under international treaties and agreements, including safety, security, and safeguard commitments to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The consequences of such lapses—whether accidental or deliberate—are not theoretical. A single event involving high-risk sources can result in long-term environmental contamination, public health crises, and diplomatic fallout.
GLOBAL AND DIPLOMATIC IMPLICATIONS.
It is highly probable that the IAEA has expressed concern to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in Vienna regarding the lack of inspections, weak controls, and increasing risks associated with high-risk radioactive sources. Given Nigeria’s failure to meet financial obligations to the IAEA and its deteriorating compliance posture, the country risks sanctions or suspension from international nuclear collaboration.
There are also likely to be quiet warnings issued by foreign embassies to their nationals—particularly those working in oil and gas, where industrial radiography and well logging are routine—to avoid proximity to nuclear material storage sites. This diplomatic discomfort, though muted, reflects serious international concern.
THE PRESIDENT’S CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY.
The President of Nigeria holds a triple responsibility in this matter:
Commander-in-Chief – The ultimate guarantor of national security, which includes radiological security.
Minister of Petroleum Resources – Overseeing the ministry responsible for supervising NNRA.
Chairman of the Board of NNRA – Directly accountable for the agency’s strategic direction and performance.
Given this unique convergence of authority, the President must treat the state of nuclear regulation as a matter of national emergency.
IMPACT ON NIGERIA’S ENERGY AMBITIONS
The current state of nuclear governance jeopardizes Nigeria’s Nuclear Power Plant Program (NNPP). Regulatory credibility is a prerequisite for nuclear power development, including technology transfer and international financing. A derailed NNPP also undermines efforts to solve Nigeria’s persistent energy deficit—especially as France derives over 80% of its electricity from nuclear power.
Moreover, the inability to conduct thorough inspections directly threatens daily crude oil production, which depends on radiation-based technologies. Foreign oil operators are well aware of these lapses and may begin to scale back operations or raise safety concerns, thereby impacting national revenue.
A CALL TO to ACTION:
In light of these grave developments, we respectfully urge:
The President and NNRA Board Chairman to formally invite the IAEA for an independent assessment of NNRA’s capacity and compliance.
The National Assembly to initiate an immediate probe into NNRA staffing, funding, and inspection records.
The Federal Executive Council to prioritize NNRA funding and technical staff recruitment to restore the agency’s credibility.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the communication of IAEA feedback to the highest levels of government.
HISTORICAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Nigeria was among the earliest signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in July 1968, affirming its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. As such, we are entitled to harness nuclear technology—but also obligated to uphold global standards of safety, accountability, and transparency.
The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) has noted that even after 67 years of study, the long-term genetic impact of ionizing radiation remains uncertain. This highlights the enormous responsibility Nigeria bears in regulating nuclear materials for the protection of current and future generations.
CONCLUSION:
We must act now to prevent what may become a national tragedy with international consequences. The legacy of past leadership in NNRA—under pioneers like Prof. Shamsuddeen Elegbe, Dr. Martin Ogharandugun, and Prof. Lawrence Anikwe Dim—demonstrates what is possible when professionalism and technical competence are prioritized.
Mr. President, your administration must reclaim this legacy. Nigeria is capable of building a world-class regulatory system—but only if urgent reforms are made now.
May the Almighty protect Nigeria from negligence, indifference, and the unintended consequences of inaction.
Mr Faru is a retired Deputy General Manager at the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority
