The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Monday, May...
The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Monday, May 12, 2025, launched a five-day regional training programme under the framework of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA). The event is being held at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.
Titled “Regional Training Course on Financial Analysis of Large-Scale Energy Projects, Including Nuclear Power,” the programme aims to enhance the capacity of African countries in conducting financial evaluations for energy sector projects. A key focus is the application of the IAEA’s FINPLAN tool, which assesses the economic viability of electricity generation initiatives, including nuclear power.
In his opening remarks, NAEC Acting Chairman, Engr. Anthony Ekedegwa, highlighted the pressing energy challenges across Africa and their implications for socio-economic development.
> “One of the major challenges in nuclear power development is funding and financial constraints, which many countries struggle to overcome. This training is therefore designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to analyze and plan power generation projects using the FINPLAN model,” he stated.
Engr. Ekedegwa expressed optimism that the training would broaden participants’ understanding and help build a pool of skilled professionals capable of performing detailed financial analyses for large-scale energy projects. Such capacity, he noted, is vital for ensuring that energy development strategies are aligned with national financial realities and resource capabilities.
The course covers core financial theory, financing mechanisms for power projects—particularly in developing nations—and includes practical training on the FINPLAN tool. This tool evaluates the financial viability of both existing and proposed energy projects, factoring in infrastructure costs, reserve margins, and projected electricity demand.
Participants from 22 African countries, including Nigeria, are attending the training. Expert facilitation is being provided by IAEA resource persons: Ahmed Irej Jalal, Koshikwinja Pacifique, Ms. Mberia Nancy, and Matic Devor.
Earlier, the Director of Nuclear Power Plant Development at NAEC and National Project Counterpart, Prof. Abdulahi Mati, welcomed participants to the event.
Beyond energy, AFRA supports a broad range of projects across sectors such as agriculture, health, water resources management, nuclear safety, and knowledge transfer.
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