Analysis of Public Attitudes Toward Nuclear Energy as Part of Nigeria’s Energy Mix

Nigeria's energy planning authorities have periodically raised nuclear energy as a potential contributor to long-term electricity supply diversification, yet public awareness and attitudes toward nuclear power in Nigeria have not been systematically studied across diverse geopolitical regions. This study analyses public attitudes toward nuclear energy as a component of Nigeria's future energy mix, drawing on survey data from six states representing all geopolitical zones. A structured questionnaire was administered to 600 respondents comprising urban and rural adults, students, and energy sector workers. The survey assessed awareness of nuclear energy, risk perceptions, perceived benefits, information sources, and support or opposition levels conditional on various nuclear programme attributes. Ordered logit regression modelling was employed to identify socioeconomic and demographic predictors of nuclear energy acceptance. Results show that 52 percent of respondents had limited awareness of nuclear energy fundamentals, and risk perceptions centred predominantly on accident hazards, nuclear waste, and weapons proliferation. Following an information provision intervention embedded in the survey instrument, support levels increased from 31 to 54 percent, suggesting that information deficits are a significant driver of current scepticism. Acceptance is significantly higher among respondents with tertiary education, male respondents, and residents of states with chronic electricity shortages. The study recommends a national public engagement programme coordinated by the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission prior to advancing nuclear programme planning. Keywords: nuclear energy, public attitudes, Nigeria, energy mix, public acceptance.