By Fatima Saka
Lagos, Nigeria — The Executive Director of the Environmental Defenders Network, Mr. Chima Williams, has called on journalists to intensify scrutiny of nuclear power programmes, warning that secrecy around such projects could pose risks to public safety and national security.
Williams made the call on Friday in Lagos during an advocacy event on the dangers of nuclear energy, organised by the Renevlyn Development Initiative in collaboration with Tipping Point North South.
He emphasised that the media must move beyond official narratives and adopt a more investigative approach when reporting on nuclear energy issues, particularly in examining government policies, negotiations and international agreements.
According to him, nuclear power projects are often handled with limited transparency, with governments sometimes publicly downplaying involvement while engaging foreign partners with nuclear technology capabilities behind closed doors.
“Nuclear facilities are not everyday infrastructure. Their implications for public safety, environmental protection and national development demand consistent and critical media attention,” Williams said.
He cited instances in Nigeria and other countries where governments allegedly entered into nuclear-related negotiations without sufficient public disclosure, stressing that such practices undermine accountability and public trust.
Williams urged journalists to prioritise factual, evidence-based reporting by relying on official documents, credible research and expert sources to avoid misinformation and strengthen public understanding of nuclear programmes.
He also warned against excessive secrecy in nuclear policy processes, noting that openness and access to information are fundamental to democratic governance.
Drawing from international experiences, he referenced concerns raised in countries such as the United States and India over the safety and transparency of nuclear projects.
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Williams maintained that the media has a duty to safeguard citizens by exposing policies or actions that could threaten public health, environmental safety and national security.
“There are two things journalists must do: protect the people and protect the safety and security of society,” he said.
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