Environmental and energy experts have urged journalists across Africa to intensify investigative reporting on nuclear energy projects, warning that governments are pursuing costly and controversial nuclear deals with limited public scrutiny.
They made the call during an expert workshop on proposed nuclear power plants organised by the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and Tipping Point North South in Lagos, where participants said reporters must play a stronger watchdog role in examining the financing, safety, environmental impact, and geopolitical implications of nuclear energy expansion on the continent.
The workshop brought together environmental activists, economists, lawyers, and civil society groups from Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Speakers challenged what they described as Africa’s growing “nuclear misadventure”, warning that the continent risks deepening foreign dependence while neglecting its vast renewable energy potential.
Environmental activist Philip Jakpor said journalists must demand transparency from governments pursuing nuclear agreements, particularly in Nigeria where discussions around nuclear power have continued for nearly two decades.
According to him, Nigeria signed an agreement with Russian state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom in 2007 to develop nuclear facilities expected to generate about 4,800 megawatts by 2035.
Jakpor alleged that communities expected to host the projects were not properly consulted before the plans were announced publicly.
“Nigeria cannot properly secure existing oil infrastructure, yet we are discussing nuclear facilities in a country facing major security challenges,” he said.
