A Nigerian non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting nuclear technology awareness across Africa has initiated a formal partnership request with the country’s atomic energy regulator to address the growing problem of misinformation surrounding nuclear science on the continent.

Nuclear-Aware Africa made the proposal during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission headquarters in Abuja, where representatives from both organizations discussed strategies for improving public understanding of peaceful nuclear applications. The meeting brought together key stakeholders working to reshape public perception of nuclear technology in a region where misconceptions often overshadow the potential benefits of nuclear science.

Ruth Shimaor, Programme Director of Nuclear-Aware Africa, led the delegation and outlined the organization’s vision for collaboration. She emphasized that partnership with the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission would be crucial in combating false narratives that have long hindered nuclear technology adoption across the continent.

“We believe that strategic collaboration with NAEC is essential in addressing misinformation and disinformation about nuclear science,” Shimaor explained during the meeting. “Through joint advocacy and public engagement, we can help Nigerians and Africans better understand the benefits of peaceful nuclear applications for development.”

The request comes at a time when many African nations are exploring nuclear technology as a solution to pressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and energy security. However, public skepticism and limited awareness about the peaceful applications of nuclear science continue to pose significant obstacles to the adoption of these technologies across the continent.

During the visit, Mr. Amos Obeya, who heads the Information and Public Relations Unit at the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, provided the delegation with insights into the Commission’s existing outreach programs. He detailed ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts and public sensitization initiatives that the agency has implemented throughout Nigeria to build trust and understanding among communities.

Obeya encouraged Nuclear-Aware Africa to expand its advocacy network beyond the Commission. “We encourage Nuclear-Aware Africa to also collaborate with the Atomic Energy Committees of the National Assembly as part of its advocacy and sensitisation efforts,” he stated, suggesting that engaging with legislative bodies could amplify the impact of public education campaigns.

The meeting also featured praise from Engr. Auwal Bissalah, Head of ICL-NAEC, who commended Nuclear-Aware Africa’s innovative approach to public education. He specifically highlighted the organization’s podcast initiatives as effective tools for demystifying nuclear science and making complex technical concepts accessible to general audiences.

Engr. Dr. Anthony Ekedegwa, Acting Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, welcomed the partnership proposal and urged sustained commitment to public education efforts. He stressed the importance of correcting misconceptions, particularly regarding the diverse peaceful applications of nuclear technology.

“I commend Nuclear-Aware Africa for taking the initiative to educate the public and counter misconceptions about nuclear technology,” Ekedegwa said. “There is a need to continue debunking myths, especially regarding the peaceful applications of nuclear science in healthcare, cancer treatment, radiopharmacy, agriculture and food security.”

Ekedegwa provided the delegation with detailed briefings on Nigeria’s nuclear infrastructure, including the country’s Multi-Purpose Research Reactor and Gamma Irradiation Facility. He highlighted the socio-economic benefits these facilities offer, particularly in food preservation, medical sterilization, and research applications.

The Acting Chairman also discussed the medical applications of radioisotopes, emphasizing their critical role in oncology and cancer care at a time when Africa faces a growing cancer burden. He further outlined prospects for integrating nuclear energy into Nigeria’s energy mix, positioning nuclear power as a potential solution to the country’s persistent electricity challenges.

The meeting represents a significant step toward building a unified approach to nuclear advocacy in Nigeria and across Africa. As the continent grapples with energy deficits, food security challenges, and healthcare gaps, the peaceful applications of nuclear technology could offer viable solutions. However, realizing this potential requires overcoming decades of misconceptions fueled by associations with nuclear weapons and accidents at facilities like Chernobyl and Fukushima.

The proposed collaboration between Nuclear-Aware Africa and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to improve public literacy on nuclear science while addressing the misinformation that continues to hinder technological advancement on the continent.