Nigeria - World Nuclear Outlook Report
Nuclear policy and outlook
Nigeria has long planned to introduce nuclear power, with a stated ambition of around 4000 MWe of capacity. The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has identified two sites for large reactors, Geregu in Kogi state and Itu in Akwa Ibom state.
In May 2025, the then Minister of Power advised against the proposed construction of four large units and advocated for small modular reactors (SMRs) instead. NAEC officials have since described the programme as technology-neutral, with both large reactors and SMRs under consideration.
The country’s regulatory framework has been strengthened, with new nuclear safety regulations developed with the IAEA, including regulations on nuclear power plant construction. Nigeria has no vendor selected and no financing arrangement in place for a first nuclear power plant.
Table Ni.1 Contributions to total capacity projection in 2050 (gross)
| 60 year operation (MWe) | 80 year operation (MWe) | Currently under construction capacity (MWe) | Planned capacity (MWe) | Proposed capacity (MWe) | Potential capacity (MWe) | Government capacity target (MWe) | Additional capacity* required to meet government target (MWe) | Total capacity (MWe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| *Capacity additional to operable, under construction, planned, proposed and potential capacities required to meet the government target. | ||||||||
Readiness Assessment
Nigeria has a national nuclear ambition and institutions on which to build. However, delivery of the 4000 MWe target will require more rapid progress than has been achieved to date.
| Country Category | Candidate |
|---|---|
| Policy Framework Readiness | Low A 4000 MWe ambition establishes policy intent. More clarity is needed on the choice between large reactors and SMRs, current delivery timetable, and supporting legislation. |
| Institutional & Infrastructure Readiness | Low-Moderate Established regulator, research reactor, nuclear research centres, regulations and international cooperation provide a useful base, but commercial power reactor regulation and project management remain untested. |
| Programme & Project Development Readiness | Low Geregu and Itu are candidate sites, with feasibility and site evaluation work continuing. There is no defined, financed first power reactor project. |
| Target Achievability | Low A nuclear programme remains possible over the longer term, but the published 4000 MWe objective does not have a current schedule or project sequence and none of the capacity is yet attributable to specific reactors. |