The Executive Director, Environmental Defenders Network, Nigeria, Mr Chima Williams, has called on journalists to play a more reflective and investigative role in reporting nuclear energy issues.
Williams stressed the need for the media to protect public interest, transparency and national safety.
Williams spoke at an advocacy event on the dangers of nuclear energy on Friday in Lagos.
The event was organised by Renevlyn Development Initiative in collboration with Tipping Point North South UK.
Williams said journalism must go beyond official narratives and ask direct questions about government policies, negotiations and agreements surrounding nuclear power development.
According to him, nuclear power projects are often pursued quietly, with governments publicly denying involvement while simultaneously engaging foreign countries and corporations with nuclear technology capabilities.
He noted that although nuclear facilities were not everyday infrastructure projects, their implications for public safety, environmental protection and national development required sustained media scrutiny.
Williams cited examples from Nigeria and other countries where governments allegedly entered negotiations on nuclear development without adequate public disclosure.
He said journalists must ensure that reports on nuclear programmes were factual, evidence-based and sourced from credible institutions in order to avoid misinformation and strengthen public accountability.
He also warned against secrecy in nuclear-related policies, arguing that openness and access to information were essential for democratic governance and public trust.
Drawing from international experiences, he referenced concerns raised in countries such as the United States and India regarding nuclear projects and public safety.
He urged journalists to rely on official documents, research findings and expert evidence when reporting on nuclear issues,
especially in situations where governments or institutions attempted to limit public access to information.
According to him, the media has a responsibility to protect citizens by exposing policies or actions that could threaten public health, security and environmental safety.
“There are two things journalists must do: protect the people and protect the safety and security of society,” he said.
