Mark advocates nuclear technology to solve energy crisis

Taiwo Adisa and Soji Eze Fagbemi, Abuja - 18.03.2008

SENATE President, Senator David Mark, has advocated the adoption of nuclear technology to solve the nation’s intractable power crisis.

Senator Mark, who made the call at a seminar on legislative and regulatory requirements for nuclear power in Abuja, said that all available options must be explored in finding ways out of the troubles besetting the energy sector.

He said the country could no longer afford to overlook the acquisition of nuclear power for peaceful co-existence and development.

“It is my candid belief that we need to find a long term solution which should and must include a more comprehensive and permanent solution. All viable options must be harnessed.

“It is in this regard that I believe that nuclear power must be considered as a viable option in the fight against Nigeria’s perennial electricity dilemma.

“In fact, I am informed that the immediate past administration made the necessary national political commitment to nuclear power programme for peaceful use during the visit of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr. Mohammed El-Baradei, to Nigeria in January 2005. We must seize this opportunity and pursue it with vigour,” he said.