From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NCRA) has said that nuclear energy can provide secure electricity  at a relatively stable and low price for Nigerians ,if properly explored.
The Authority said despite its difficulty, nuclear power has specific attractions for Nigeria, adding that it will lead to a decline in the domestic demand for petroleum use in powering generators and increase foreign exchange earnings from the oil industry.
The general manager, NNRA, Dr Mbet Akpanowo, who represented the director general in his presentation added that nuclear power would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels and water resources emanating from neighbouring countries.
Also, in his welcome address,the Executive Director,
Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative,
IADI,  Christopher Ofomhi stated that the roundtable engagement was to promote national development objectives through the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, NNRA, as a key facilitator of economic growth not just in nuclear power but by extension in areas like security, housing, and employment.
Ofomhi said, “I am sure you will agree with me that power is an important step to national development and this is what necessitated today’s program.
The program’s theme is The Importance of Nuclear Energy in the Economic Development of Nigeria: The role of NNRA.”
He noted that the parley was built on the realities that surround the NNRA and its relevance to the economic development of Nigeria.
 “the overall goal of this gathering is to create an avenue for NNRA to interact with (us) the CSOs and to project their key objectives and achievements as well as the challenges they are facing so that we know how to further help them in the drive to economic growth and development through nuclear power.
“For us at Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative, we believe that a nation’s development is built on the inclusive engagement of all stakeholders in the development process.”
He pointed out that stakeholders were the masses and the elected, regardless of the parastatal adding that “we believe that by using this tool, Nigeria is on its path to inclusive development.”
He called on  the participants to take advantage of the program by sharing their views where necessary “and by learning from the speakers in the course of this event” stressing that “the success of this forum depends on you. Your active involvement and contribution to the discussion will go a long way.