NGOs train journalists on nuclear energy reporting

As Nigeria intensifies discussions around the establishment of nuclear power plants, non-governmental organisations have begun equipping journalists with the knowledge and investigative skills required for effective and responsible reporting on nuclear energy issues.

The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), in collaboration with Tipping Point North South, organised a workshop in Lagos to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian journalists to critically investigate and report on nuclear energy developments in the country.

The training focused on issues of public safety, transparency, environmental implications and the potential risks associated with government agreements with foreign entities in the proposed nuclear energy projects.

Speaking during the workshop, Executive Director of RDI, Philip Jakpor, paid tribute to Deborah Burton for partnering with the organisation to facilitate the training programme.

Participants were encouraged to go beyond official narratives and interrogate the broader implications of Nigeria’s nuclear ambitions. Discussions at the workshop highlighted concerns over the reported $80 billion cost of four proposed Russian-built nuclear power plants, while also raising questions about transparency, accountability and long-term environmental safety.

Experts at the event stressed the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering information often unknown to host communities and the wider public regarding nuclear power projects.

Among the facilitators and speakers were Lance Mbani and Anthony Kingib from Kenya, Chansa Kaluba, Vladimir Slivyak, Makoma Lekalakala of South Africa, Stephanie Singer, Fadhel Kaboub, Associate Professor of Economics at Denison University, USA and Chima Williams.

Through paper presentations and interactive lectures, the experts examined both the advantages and challenges associated with the proposed nuclear power plants in Nigeria, urging journalists to maintain professionalism, accuracy and critical depth in their reportage.

The workshop forms part of broader efforts to build the capacity of Nigerian journalists amid evolving national conversations on energy transition, sustainability and infrastructure development.