As part of efforts to find a solution to Nigeria’s nagging energy inadequacy the federal government last week constituted a high-powered technical committee to draw up a blue-print for developing nuclear energy.

While this new initiative is commendable, acquiring nuclear capability even for peaceful purposes is fraught with many challenges. First, with the availability of several sources of obtaining public power supply such as hydro, solar and gas, does Nigeria need nuclear energy, which if not properly handled can bring disastrous consequences on the nation?

The answer of course is yes. Nuclear energy is today the cheapest, cleanest and easiest to maintain compared to other sources. It will be in the interest of Nigeria therefore to go for that source to supplement and diversify her sources of power supply.

Secondly, given the fear and extreme nervousness of the international community that nuclear energy programme may be turned from peaceful purposes into a belligerent one, will the leading powers of the world who themselves, it must be noted have nuclear energy 'allow' Nigeria to embark upon a nuclear energy programme even for the obvious purpose of powering her economy?

Nigeria is a sovereign and responsible nation and should not wait for a green light from any other nation, no matter how powerful such a nation or group of nations may be, especially as our ambition is to provide energy to drive our quest for rapid industrialization. After all, France depends solely on nuclear power as a source of energy supply.

There is therefore a ready example to cite if any objection is raised on our attempt at developing nuclear energy. We have a duty to assert our sovereignty and pursue what is clearly in our national interest so to do. Iran has shown quite clearly how to single-mindedly pursue ones best interest in the face of stiff opposition.

But were we to surmount all these hurdles, with our well known poor attitude to the management and maintenance of public infrastructure, can we manage a nuclear programme so that it will not become a source of calamity and sorrow upon us?

We certainly are not the sloppiest people on earth. We can only hope that the knowledge that any acts of carelessness on the part of those in-charge can lead to horrendous consequences should compel serious-mindedness from everyone involved.

We believe that we have Nigerians both at home and abroad that can help us harness nuclear energy. It should not be difficult to find compatriots with the technical knowledge, ability and zeal both at home and abroad to undertake the enterprise

The French government recently pointed out to Nigeria that nuclear is the way out for her energy problem. While the French may be well-meaning, there is cause to suspect that their suggestion may have been motivated by enlightened self-interest.

France would want to get the contract for building the nuclear plants for us. It should be noted that the knowledge and the expertise necessary to acquire nuclear power should be harnessed from anywhere that they can be got.

We warn however that contractual agreement should take cognizance of the track records of such countries. The establishment of the Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria in Kaduna by the French some forty years ago, until the company's recent privatisation has done very little for the growth and development of an indigenous automobile manufacturing industry.

The agreement was that local content would gradually replace imported inputs until the car becomes wholly manufactured in Nigeria. It never materialized. The lesson in this is that care should be taken so as not to have a still-born nuclear programme on our hands.

Nigerians with the knowhow in nuclear science abound both at home and abroad, the whole programme should therefore be made their responsibility to implement.

Right now, some grounds have been covered at the nuclear research centres in many universities. It should therefore not be difficult to build on them.