- Nigeria: The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has rejected a proposal to construct a nuclear power plant in the state.
- The house vehemently rejected the proposal for the project which is to be located at Oku Iboku Community.
- The assembly also urged central government not allocate any parcel of land for the nuclear plant.
Last week the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly rejected plans to build a nuclear plant near the Oku Iboku Community in Itu State. This after a motion was tabled by Hon Kufreabasi Edidem, a member representing Itu State Constituency, who cited that the project did not comply with international standards guiding the implementation of civil nuclear programmes across the globe.
According to Edidem, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that Nigeria lacks the technical competence to handle nuclear issues. Despite this, the Nigerian National Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has not relented in its decision to proceed with the nuclear project in Itu.
“Furthermore, the 6th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly through a motion moved by Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, Member representing Onna State Constituency, rejected the planned nuclear power plant, urging the Federal Government to instead explore other available and harmless sources of power in the state, including increasing the capacity of the Ibom Power Plant.” said Edidem.
He further cited the dangers of possible radioactive emissions, discharge of non-biodegradable radioactive wastes plus the absorption into the ecosystem and food chain. He also highlighted the possible dangers of radioactive exposure to the Akwa Ibom people.
The Speaker, Aniekan Bassey while responding to the motion, commend Hon. Edidem for the timeliness of the Motion and urged the Clerk to communicate the resolution of the House to the appropriate quarters.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
