Nuclear advocacy group seeks partnership with Nigeria's atomic energy commission to fight misinformation

Nuclear-Aware Africa (NAA), a non-governmental organization focused on advocating for the peaceful use of nuclear technologies across the continent, has formally requested a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC). The goal is to jointly combat misinformation and disinformation surrounding nuclear science and technology within Nigeria and the broader African region.

The request was made during a courtesy visit by an NAA delegation to Engr. Dr. Anthony Ekedegwa, the Acting Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAEC, at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja. Discussions, led by NAA's Programme Director Ruth Shimaor, centered on enhancing public awareness and advocacy for the peaceful applications of nuclear science, technology, and innovation.

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

"We believe that strategic collaboration with NAEC is essential in addressing misinformation and disinformation about nuclear science. Through joint advocacy and public engagement, we can help Nigerians and Africans better understand the benefits of peaceful nuclear applications for development," Shimaor stated. She formally sought NAEC's cooperation in tackling misconceptions and false narratives.

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NAEC has continued to engage stakeholders and communities to improve public understanding of nuclear technology. 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.

Mr. Amos Obeya, Head of Information and Public Relations Unit (IPRU) at NAEC, briefed the delegation on the Commission's ongoing efforts in stakeholder engagement and public sensitization. He encouraged NAA to also collaborate with the National Assembly's Atomic Energy Committees. Engr. Auwal Bissalah, Head of ICL-NAEC, commended NAA's advocacy, particularly its podcast initiatives.

Dr. Ekedegwa praised Nuclear-Aware Africa for its proactive role in educating the public and countering misconceptions. "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," he urged. Ekedegwa highlighted the benefits of radioisotopes in oncology and the socio-economic advantages of Nigeria’s Multi-Purpose Research Reactor and Gamma Irradiation Facility, while also discussing the prospects of integrating nuclear energy into the nation's energy mix.

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I commend Nuclear-Aware Africa for taking the initiative to educate the public and counter misconceptions about nuclear technology. 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.