Reps Warn: Neglect of Nuclear Centre Personnel Poses National Security Risk

• The House of Representatives raised the alarm over the neglect of scientists and personnel at Nigeria’s Nuclear Centres, warning of potential security risks
• Chairman of House Committee on Renewable Energy expresses concerns during meeting with representatives from nuclear centres at National Assembly

The House of Representatives has sounded the alarm over the neglect of scientists and personnel at Nigeria’s Nuclear Centres, warning that it could spell disaster and jeopardize the nation’s security.

During a meeting with representatives from the country’s two nuclear centres at the National Assembly, Rep. Afam Victor Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences of neglecting the vital personnel working at these facilities.

The meeting, part of an ongoing investigation, aimed to address the issue of withheld hazard and high-risk allowances for scientists in the two centres. These allowances were disbursed to civil servants at the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) but not to the scientists.

The two centres under scrutiny are the Centre for Energy Research and Training at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the Centre for Energy Research and Development at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Rep. Ogene assured the representatives that Parliament is actively pursuing measures to secure financial autonomy for the centres. This autonomy, facilitated through separate budget allocations, aims to enhance their capacity for effective and efficient operations.

Representatives from the centres, including Prof. Ganiyu I. Balogun, Prof. J.F.K Akinbami, Dr. Bashir M. Umar, and Dr. M.B Katif, highlighted their facility management challenges. They emphasized the critical importance of their work in preventing nuclear incidents and averting potential international embarrassment.

The House of Representatives underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to safeguard national security and ensure the smooth operation of Nigeria’s nuclear research centres.