The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Dr. Franklin Osaisai, has identified energy self-sufficiency and long-term energy security as key promoters of sustainable development.

Osaisai, who made the statement at a public lecture in Owerri, explained that achieving long-term energy self-sufficiency was imperative for the attainment of national and regional developmental aspirations.

The public lecture, held at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Owerri, was titled, “Nuclear power development in Nigeria: Partnership building among national institutions for sustainable programme implementation’’.

He said growth in demand for electricity in the country had far exceeded supply in the past two decades due to rapid population growth, characterised by increasing expansion of industrial activities.

He said “this we can blame on the increase in energy requirements and inadequate investments in the development and maintenance of electricity infrastructure”.

The NAEC chairman also listed other causes as extended period of controlled monopoly of the electricity power sector by government and its agencies.

“In addition to this, there is also the undue emphasis on political considerations in the choice of the location of electrification projects rather than economic considerations,’’ he said.

Osaisai cautioned that long-term national security could only be achieved through effective development and harnessing of a diversified basket of energy options.

“The basic message I wish to underscore is that the planning, implementation and management of a national nuclear programme is a serious task.

He said “it can only be successful if all relevant institutions make their respective input, as mandated by law in a co-ordinated manner”.