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Prospects for the development of nuclear technology in Nigeria
Energy Vol.6, No. IO, pp. 105~1057. Printed in Great Britain.
0~5442!81/10105MUn.00/0 Pergamon Press Ltd.
1981
NOTE PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA D. C.
ONYEJEKWE
Energy Resources Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Nigeria (Received 26 February 1981) Abstract-We present a resource summary for nuclear raw materials in Nigeria. We study the manpower situation and make proposals for a manpower development programme for the nuclear power industry. The results of this analysis show that the country has an abundance of raw materials and the potential manpower pool for a nuclear technology.
INTRODUCTION In 1955,
at the 3rd international conference held in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations on the peaceful application of nuclear energy, one of the recommendations made was for the third world to embrace nuclear energy as a means of meeting their energy demands. Surprisingly, African Countries south of the Sahara and with the exception of the Republic of South Africa have not made any attempt to harness and utilize the nuclear raw materials in their regions. As a means of meeting the ever-increasing demands for energy in the fast-growing industries and also as a result of the geopolitical situation on the Africa Continent, there has been a remarkable change of attitude on the government side towards the development of nuclear technology in Nigeria. Nigerian scientists and engineers have now acknowledged the need to develop an alternative source of energy and, consequently, serious consideration is being given to nuclear energy. The government has founded centres of excellence for nuclear technology (i.e. the University of Ife Be-Ife for nuclear medicine and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for nuclear technology and engineering). In 1977, the first technical workshop on nuclear reactors was held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and in 1978, an Energy Policy Conference was opened by the Chief-of-Staff of the Supreme Military Headquarters in Jos Plateau State. A full session was devoted to nuclear energy. In November 1978, under the auspices of the National Science and Technology Development Agency, a public lecture was delivered by M. Davis (Director of Electrical, Nuclear and other Primary Sources of Energy, EEC, Brussels) at the University of Lagos. At the Science Association of Nigeria Conference held in Port-Harcourt Rivers State, technical papers on nuclear energy were presented. In 1978, the Nigerian Uranium Mining Company was incorporated. This company is responsible for exploration and mining of uranium in this country. A feasibility study was carried out for the Federal Military Government of Nigeria by Columbus Engineering Inc. Recommendations include the following possible sites for reactors; Lagos in Lagos State, Lokoja and Markudi in Benue State, and Onitsha in Anambra State, for 500-6OOMW, of nuclear power for each of the chosen site. The defunct Atomic Energy Commission was succeeded by the Energy Commission of Nigeria,’ consisting of (i) the Fossil-Fuel Department, (ii) the Nuclear Energy Department, (iii) the Solar Energy Department and (iv) such other energy departments as the Head of the Federal Military Government may from time to time determine (to be needed). Since the Civilian government took office in October 1979, a committee under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology has been set up to look into the facilities now existing in the universities for nuclear physics, engineering and research in the country. AVAILABILITY
OF FUELS AND CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS
The earth’s crust formation of the country is of complex bazement, consisting in part of migmatities, gneisses, granites, and younger sedimentary formations. In the granite areas of Nigeria, radioactive minerals (uranium and thorium) have been found to occur in pyrochlore. 1053
1054
D.C.ONYEIEKWE
The radioactive nature of the pyrochlore was demonstrated in 1947 by a group of geologists of the Geological survey of Nigeria working in Liruei and Kigom Hills* (near Jos) in Plateau State. The chemical analysis of the pyrochlore shows that it contains 3.3% of uranium oxide, 3.3% of thorium oxide and 41.1% of niobium and tantalum oxides. Other areas of potential occurrence of uranium in Nigeria include the phosphate rocks in Abeokuta, Ososhun, Shoyinka and Ifo in the Western parts of Nigeria. A confirmation of the existence of nuclear fuels in Sokoto, Niger, Benue, Plateau, and Cross Rivers States of Nigeria has been made by Federal Minister of Mines and Power. Exploration work has already started in Gombe. Nuclear fuels alone do not make a nuclear reactor. There are other needed construction materials. The most important construction materials used in reactor technology include chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, aluminium, copper, zinc, zirconium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, beryllium, graphite, lead, organic materials, and ceramics. An analysis of the geological map of Nigeria shows abundant bauxite (from which aluminium is obtained) in the border area of Nigeria and the Cameroun; graphite is found in Kwakati around Minna; large deposits of lead and zinc are found in eastern parts of Nigeria, stretching from the Abakiliki area north-eastward across the Benue River. The following minerals are found in the Jos area, Ondo, Illorin and in Urban Hills: cassiterite, tantalite, wolfromite, columbite, rutile, zircon, molybdite, chalcopirite, and beryl. Coal and ligrite are abundant in Anambra, Imo, Benue, and a part of the Bendel States. Iron ore is very abundant in Kwara State. Chromiun is found in Sierra-Leone. Nigeria has a sizable share in the exploration of uranium in Niger Republic and could buy shares in the chromium industry in Sierra-Leone. MANPOWERDEVELOPMENT
The scarcity of engineers, scientists and technicians trained in nuclear technology may inhibit the establishment of a nuclear-based industry. Nigeria is a rapidly developing country with emphasis now shifting to technology. This means that the nuclear industry would be competing for engineering and scientific manpower with other gigantic industries such as the steel complex at Ajaokuta, the oil companies, and the National Electric Power Authority. In Nigeria, the number of atomic and nuclear scientists is estimated to be much less than 1% of the U.S. 1968 figure. Based on the Directory of Research of Physical Scientist, Engineers and Mathematicians of SAN, 1976, the percentage of nuclear scientists among the physical scientist population is about 0.1%. This figure has greatly changed with the development of nuclear programs of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Ife, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Comparison of Tables 1 and 2 shows gross inadequacy of engineering manpower for nuclear power programs in Nigeria. We suggest ways of developing manpower resources for future nuclear programs in Nigeria. Since there is a correlation between manpower development, basic nuclear research, and costs, a discussion on manpower development must include costing. Nigeria has at present 13 federal universities with 7 more planned to start between the 1980-81 and 1981-82 academic sessions. The financial support estimates for basic physics programs in the five oldest Nigerian universities is shown in Fig. 1. Figure 2 shows the total expenditures for basic nuclear physics research (1964-70) in the U.S.A. As is evident from these figures, government support is minimal, especially in view of current income. Proposals for manpower development include the following; (i) Introduction and intensification of fuctional literacy. The people should be aware of the basic hazards and consequences involved in nuclear technology. There should be an integrated and cooperative effort by the news media, the ministries of education, mines and power, and higher institutions. (ii) The colleges of technology and polytechnics should include in their programs departments of nuclear technology. These will produce middle-level manpower. There should also be a technical school/trade school for the lower cadre of workers in a future nuclear power industry, (iii) As it is the practice in most developed and in some developing countries, the federal government should consider upgrading and expansion of the curriculum of the military academy to include nuclear technology. (iv) As an interim measure, the scarcity of well-trained technical personnel could be solved by enrolling a defined percentage of graduates in engineer-
Prospects for the development
1055
of nuclear technology in Nigeria
Table 1. Engineeringmanpowerestimatesto meet future requirementsfor nuclear power rograms.3 Region
1975
1980
1985
1990
Tiestern Lurope
16,300
30,000
49,000
71,000
North
23,000
41,000
62,000
88,000
America
6,300
8,800
12,900
18,100
11,100
22,000
40,000
57,000
900
2,000
3,800
5,800
1,680
3,600
5,500
7,000
Indigenous
360
1,100
2,400
3,800
Foreign
860
2,300
4,500
5,300
Pacific Eastern
Block
Asia & Far Last: Indigenous Foreign Africa & biddle East
Table 2. Approximate
distribution of graduating students in engineering and the physical sciences
in Nigerian
universities.’
ing and in the physical and biological sciences for short-term courses in nuclear technology. (v) Undergraduates should be exposed to nuclear science and technology. This could be effected through the general studies programes in most Nigerian universities. (vi) The establishment of nuclear laboratories in all of the universities should be encouraged. These laboratories will be charged with the responsibility of developing nuclear based-technologies. (vii) The establishment of a National Nuclear Research Centre should be implemented in Shiroro. This centre
TOTAL
COSTS
ON
PHYSICS
OPERATIN
COSTS
OF
FMlLIflES _
l ____~____p+___ 67A36
66BS
_.-
69/m
of financial
support estimates
--
n/72
70/71 FISCAL
Fig. I. Trend
_
_II---
-_L’
**
,x’
I 72/73
1 73/74
74/76
7S/76
76/77
YEARS
of basic physics programs universities.
in the five oldest Nigerian
1056
D. C. ONYFJEKWE
I
TOTAL IN196,
)
UNIVERSITIES
+o&EC
NATIONAL
TOTAL
__, ,.j ,.....
LASS
,_.....‘.. .______.-.____....... .’ _.. 20_-_ -- _- --+ J/
UWlVERSlTlES
FEDERAL
UNIVER!WIES NON( ,_._._._.-.
FEDERAL -,-.-.;
_._.-‘-
._.-.-
OS
...,.
__-.
eL*BS 65
66
6?
68
69
FISCAL YEARS FITBWI
AEC,
NSF and
NASA
Fig. 2. Total costs of basic nuclear physics research (1%4-70)
Reportr
(a) operating costs. (b) Facilities costs.
,Ilorln
Some PIG
MAP
OF
NIGERIA
SHOWING
THE
TOWNS
MENTIONED
of
the
Towns
Formotions
IN
Fig. 3. Map of Nigeria showing the towns mentioned in the text.
THE
TEXT
Prospects for the development of nuclear technology in Nigeria
1057
Table 3. Average cost estimates (millions of naira) for basic nuclear research, based on current prices.’ ilacliinealone
Group+ 1. 500 MeV-1 GeV 2. 50 - 500 3.
2.2 - 12.5
MeV
less than
4. Heavy lons
50
2.1
MeV
-
2.9
Total Facility 5 - 35 2.5
-
6.3
0.1 - 4.1
0.3 - 7.5
1.1 - 5
11.7 - 14.4
+ Includes circular machines, potential drop machlnes, heavy-ion linacs, electron linacs, betatrons, and synchrotrons.
should have a 5 MW, reactor. This centre would coordinate the activities of the universities, military academy, colleges of technology and polytechnics and trade schools. CONCLUSION
Nigeria appears to have an abundance of raw materials for a nuclear technology. The greatest problem facing nuclear technology development is the acute shortage of expertise in the field. Strong government support of nuclear research programs for a long period of time through national distribution of research funds and manpower to the laboratories as well as the availability of complementary support for nuclear engineers, technicians and scientists in Nigeria, would be a sound basis for the development of nuclear technology. REFERENCES I. 2. 3. 4.
Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 44 Lagos, Published by the Federal Government Printer, Sept. 1979. Reports of Geological Survey of Jos area. Published by the Nigerian Geological Survey, Kaduna 1947. ht. Atomic Energy Bull. 17(4). D. C. Onyejekwe, “Nuclear Power Plant for Nigeria”, paper presented at the Science Association of Nigeria, Ibadan 1977. 5. Cl.C. Madueme, “Energy and Demand”, Proc. Energy Policy Conf. Jos, Nigeria1978.
0~5442!81/10105MUn.00/0 Pergamon Press Ltd.
1981
NOTE PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA D. C.
ONYEJEKWE
Energy Resources Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Nigeria (Received 26 February 1981) Abstract-We present a resource summary for nuclear raw materials in Nigeria. We study the manpower situation and make proposals for a manpower development programme for the nuclear power industry. The results of this analysis show that the country has an abundance of raw materials and the potential manpower pool for a nuclear technology.
INTRODUCTION In 1955,
at the 3rd international conference held in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations on the peaceful application of nuclear energy, one of the recommendations made was for the third world to embrace nuclear energy as a means of meeting their energy demands. Surprisingly, African Countries south of the Sahara and with the exception of the Republic of South Africa have not made any attempt to harness and utilize the nuclear raw materials in their regions. As a means of meeting the ever-increasing demands for energy in the fast-growing industries and also as a result of the geopolitical situation on the Africa Continent, there has been a remarkable change of attitude on the government side towards the development of nuclear technology in Nigeria. Nigerian scientists and engineers have now acknowledged the need to develop an alternative source of energy and, consequently, serious consideration is being given to nuclear energy. The government has founded centres of excellence for nuclear technology (i.e. the University of Ife Be-Ife for nuclear medicine and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for nuclear technology and engineering). In 1977, the first technical workshop on nuclear reactors was held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and in 1978, an Energy Policy Conference was opened by the Chief-of-Staff of the Supreme Military Headquarters in Jos Plateau State. A full session was devoted to nuclear energy. In November 1978, under the auspices of the National Science and Technology Development Agency, a public lecture was delivered by M. Davis (Director of Electrical, Nuclear and other Primary Sources of Energy, EEC, Brussels) at the University of Lagos. At the Science Association of Nigeria Conference held in Port-Harcourt Rivers State, technical papers on nuclear energy were presented. In 1978, the Nigerian Uranium Mining Company was incorporated. This company is responsible for exploration and mining of uranium in this country. A feasibility study was carried out for the Federal Military Government of Nigeria by Columbus Engineering Inc. Recommendations include the following possible sites for reactors; Lagos in Lagos State, Lokoja and Markudi in Benue State, and Onitsha in Anambra State, for 500-6OOMW, of nuclear power for each of the chosen site. The defunct Atomic Energy Commission was succeeded by the Energy Commission of Nigeria,’ consisting of (i) the Fossil-Fuel Department, (ii) the Nuclear Energy Department, (iii) the Solar Energy Department and (iv) such other energy departments as the Head of the Federal Military Government may from time to time determine (to be needed). Since the Civilian government took office in October 1979, a committee under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology has been set up to look into the facilities now existing in the universities for nuclear physics, engineering and research in the country. AVAILABILITY
OF FUELS AND CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS
The earth’s crust formation of the country is of complex bazement, consisting in part of migmatities, gneisses, granites, and younger sedimentary formations. In the granite areas of Nigeria, radioactive minerals (uranium and thorium) have been found to occur in pyrochlore. 1053
1054
D.C.ONYEIEKWE
The radioactive nature of the pyrochlore was demonstrated in 1947 by a group of geologists of the Geological survey of Nigeria working in Liruei and Kigom Hills* (near Jos) in Plateau State. The chemical analysis of the pyrochlore shows that it contains 3.3% of uranium oxide, 3.3% of thorium oxide and 41.1% of niobium and tantalum oxides. Other areas of potential occurrence of uranium in Nigeria include the phosphate rocks in Abeokuta, Ososhun, Shoyinka and Ifo in the Western parts of Nigeria. A confirmation of the existence of nuclear fuels in Sokoto, Niger, Benue, Plateau, and Cross Rivers States of Nigeria has been made by Federal Minister of Mines and Power. Exploration work has already started in Gombe. Nuclear fuels alone do not make a nuclear reactor. There are other needed construction materials. The most important construction materials used in reactor technology include chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, aluminium, copper, zinc, zirconium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, beryllium, graphite, lead, organic materials, and ceramics. An analysis of the geological map of Nigeria shows abundant bauxite (from which aluminium is obtained) in the border area of Nigeria and the Cameroun; graphite is found in Kwakati around Minna; large deposits of lead and zinc are found in eastern parts of Nigeria, stretching from the Abakiliki area north-eastward across the Benue River. The following minerals are found in the Jos area, Ondo, Illorin and in Urban Hills: cassiterite, tantalite, wolfromite, columbite, rutile, zircon, molybdite, chalcopirite, and beryl. Coal and ligrite are abundant in Anambra, Imo, Benue, and a part of the Bendel States. Iron ore is very abundant in Kwara State. Chromiun is found in Sierra-Leone. Nigeria has a sizable share in the exploration of uranium in Niger Republic and could buy shares in the chromium industry in Sierra-Leone. MANPOWERDEVELOPMENT
The scarcity of engineers, scientists and technicians trained in nuclear technology may inhibit the establishment of a nuclear-based industry. Nigeria is a rapidly developing country with emphasis now shifting to technology. This means that the nuclear industry would be competing for engineering and scientific manpower with other gigantic industries such as the steel complex at Ajaokuta, the oil companies, and the National Electric Power Authority. In Nigeria, the number of atomic and nuclear scientists is estimated to be much less than 1% of the U.S. 1968 figure. Based on the Directory of Research of Physical Scientist, Engineers and Mathematicians of SAN, 1976, the percentage of nuclear scientists among the physical scientist population is about 0.1%. This figure has greatly changed with the development of nuclear programs of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Ife, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Comparison of Tables 1 and 2 shows gross inadequacy of engineering manpower for nuclear power programs in Nigeria. We suggest ways of developing manpower resources for future nuclear programs in Nigeria. Since there is a correlation between manpower development, basic nuclear research, and costs, a discussion on manpower development must include costing. Nigeria has at present 13 federal universities with 7 more planned to start between the 1980-81 and 1981-82 academic sessions. The financial support estimates for basic physics programs in the five oldest Nigerian universities is shown in Fig. 1. Figure 2 shows the total expenditures for basic nuclear physics research (1964-70) in the U.S.A. As is evident from these figures, government support is minimal, especially in view of current income. Proposals for manpower development include the following; (i) Introduction and intensification of fuctional literacy. The people should be aware of the basic hazards and consequences involved in nuclear technology. There should be an integrated and cooperative effort by the news media, the ministries of education, mines and power, and higher institutions. (ii) The colleges of technology and polytechnics should include in their programs departments of nuclear technology. These will produce middle-level manpower. There should also be a technical school/trade school for the lower cadre of workers in a future nuclear power industry, (iii) As it is the practice in most developed and in some developing countries, the federal government should consider upgrading and expansion of the curriculum of the military academy to include nuclear technology. (iv) As an interim measure, the scarcity of well-trained technical personnel could be solved by enrolling a defined percentage of graduates in engineer-
Prospects for the development
1055
of nuclear technology in Nigeria
Table 1. Engineeringmanpowerestimatesto meet future requirementsfor nuclear power rograms.3 Region
1975
1980
1985
1990
Tiestern Lurope
16,300
30,000
49,000
71,000
North
23,000
41,000
62,000
88,000
America
6,300
8,800
12,900
18,100
11,100
22,000
40,000
57,000
900
2,000
3,800
5,800
1,680
3,600
5,500
7,000
Indigenous
360
1,100
2,400
3,800
Foreign
860
2,300
4,500
5,300
Pacific Eastern
Block
Asia & Far Last: Indigenous Foreign Africa & biddle East
Table 2. Approximate
distribution of graduating students in engineering and the physical sciences
in Nigerian
universities.’
ing and in the physical and biological sciences for short-term courses in nuclear technology. (v) Undergraduates should be exposed to nuclear science and technology. This could be effected through the general studies programes in most Nigerian universities. (vi) The establishment of nuclear laboratories in all of the universities should be encouraged. These laboratories will be charged with the responsibility of developing nuclear based-technologies. (vii) The establishment of a National Nuclear Research Centre should be implemented in Shiroro. This centre
TOTAL
COSTS
ON
PHYSICS
OPERATIN
COSTS
OF
FMlLIflES _
l ____~____p+___ 67A36
66BS
_.-
69/m
of financial
support estimates
--
n/72
70/71 FISCAL
Fig. I. Trend
_
_II---
-_L’
**
,x’
I 72/73
1 73/74
74/76
7S/76
76/77
YEARS
of basic physics programs universities.
in the five oldest Nigerian
1056
D. C. ONYFJEKWE
I
TOTAL IN196,
)
UNIVERSITIES
+o&EC
NATIONAL
TOTAL
__, ,.j ,.....
LASS
,_.....‘.. .______.-.____....... .’ _.. 20_-_ -- _- --+ J/
UWlVERSlTlES
FEDERAL
UNIVER!WIES NON( ,_._._._.-.
FEDERAL -,-.-.;
_._.-‘-
._.-.-
OS
...,.
__-.
eL*BS 65
66
6?
68
69
FISCAL YEARS FITBWI
AEC,
NSF and
NASA
Fig. 2. Total costs of basic nuclear physics research (1%4-70)
Reportr
(a) operating costs. (b) Facilities costs.
,Ilorln
Some PIG
MAP
OF
NIGERIA
SHOWING
THE
TOWNS
MENTIONED
of
the
Towns
Formotions
IN
Fig. 3. Map of Nigeria showing the towns mentioned in the text.
THE
TEXT
Prospects for the development of nuclear technology in Nigeria
1057
Table 3. Average cost estimates (millions of naira) for basic nuclear research, based on current prices.’ ilacliinealone
Group+ 1. 500 MeV-1 GeV 2. 50 - 500 3.
2.2 - 12.5
MeV
less than
4. Heavy lons
50
2.1
MeV
-
2.9
Total Facility 5 - 35 2.5
-
6.3
0.1 - 4.1
0.3 - 7.5
1.1 - 5
11.7 - 14.4
+ Includes circular machines, potential drop machlnes, heavy-ion linacs, electron linacs, betatrons, and synchrotrons.
should have a 5 MW, reactor. This centre would coordinate the activities of the universities, military academy, colleges of technology and polytechnics and trade schools. CONCLUSION
Nigeria appears to have an abundance of raw materials for a nuclear technology. The greatest problem facing nuclear technology development is the acute shortage of expertise in the field. Strong government support of nuclear research programs for a long period of time through national distribution of research funds and manpower to the laboratories as well as the availability of complementary support for nuclear engineers, technicians and scientists in Nigeria, would be a sound basis for the development of nuclear technology. REFERENCES I. 2. 3. 4.
Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 44 Lagos, Published by the Federal Government Printer, Sept. 1979. Reports of Geological Survey of Jos area. Published by the Nigerian Geological Survey, Kaduna 1947. ht. Atomic Energy Bull. 17(4). D. C. Onyejekwe, “Nuclear Power Plant for Nigeria”, paper presented at the Science Association of Nigeria, Ibadan 1977. 5. Cl.C. Madueme, “Energy and Demand”, Proc. Energy Policy Conf. Jos, Nigeria1978.