Abuja — The Federal government desires to explore nuclear energy and to generate electricity to complement its power demands,Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has said.

The VP expressed the interest of the Federal Government to explore the advantages of nuclear energy as a complementary source to the existing thermal and hydro methods of electricity generation in the country.

He gave this indication yesterday while receiving a delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) led by its Director-General, Yukiya Amano, on a courtesy visit to State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja .

Jonathan said that while the hydro and thermal energy methods of electricity generation were noted for their peculiar limitations, nuclear energy was reputed to be one of the most stable sources of energy, hence Nigeria was interested in it.

The Vice President also expressed delight at the offer of the IAEA to assist in establishing cancer control and prevention facilities in the country, pointing out that if cancer centres like the one being championed by the First Lady, Turai Yar'Adua, were equipped to international standard, the drift by Nigerians to countries like India for cancer-related cases will be addressed while such centres will also cater for sub-regional needs.

While congratulating Amano on his recent appointment, Jonathan tasked the IAEA to assist in basic capacity training of Nigerians in nuclear energy development, especially at the tertiary institution level, so that Nigeria can progress from its present level 1 profile in nuclear energy.

He added that the enlistment of Nigerians in the IAEA will go a long way to facilitating this progress.

Amano said the use of nuclear power for electricity generation was indispensable in modern times as it comes with the advantage of clean energy.

He said that IAEA projects, facilitated through training courses, equipment disbursement and scientific visits, were planned to help Nigeria strengthen and expand radiotherapy and nuclear medicine centres for cancer control across the country.

He expressed the IAEA's resolve to assist the country in human capacity building, saying Nigeria is key to African co-operation and development.