Currently, with six states in Nigeria having Uranium as a
natural endowment (namely: Cross River, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi and
Kano), it is a glimpse of hope for Nigeria. But first, this Uranium – as a
resource – must first be harnessed into usable form, suitable for power
generation. It is quite palling to know that Nigeria – with over approximately
two hundred million people – still relies on mainly gas to power about twenty
of her twenty-three power stations. The three remaining rely on coal for heat
energy. Coal is quite cumbersome to handle and its other disadvantages are its
dirtiness and the difficulty it poses in terms of mobility.
While gas may be cleaner and more easily propagated, as well
as having higher calorific value than coal; the gas source would not be
guaranteed for long. With the rising turbulence in the polity of Niger Delta (which is
the sole source of gas), such as the agitations of MEND and just recently,
Niger Delta Avengers; there is great likelihood that sooner or later, if their
excesses are not curtailed, major gas pipelines would be destroyed. Hence, there
would be no gas to supply to Power Stations to generate electricity. Nigeria
would be plunged into looming darkness by then.
Presently, it can be said, that Nigeria is hatching all her
golden eggs into one basket, which is quite dangerous. A diversification of our
energy source is highly recommended. With Uranium in about six states of the
federation, Nuclear Reactors could be built in which Uranium would generate the
heat needed for a Rankine cycle through Nuclear fission. The starting cost
might be high, but in the long run (if well maintained) darkness would be
by-gone in Nigeria.
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