Nuclear power | Tipping Point North South

On May 8^th Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and Tipping Point North South co-hosted a one-day hybrid training to build the capacity of Nigerian journalists to effectively report on why nuclear power plants are a false solution to the energy deficit in Africa. The event was well attended by journalists across the media spectrum who came to listen to speakers drawn from local, national and international veteran investigative journalists, nuclear power experts and environmental activists.

Expert speaker contributions covered a range of issues related to the dangers of nuclear power development and the logic of turning away from nuclear power in favour of clean green renewables such as solar. Guest speaker was Fadhel Kaboub, Tunisian-American economist with expertise designing public policies that enhance monetary and economic sovereignty in order to build resilience and promote equitable and sustainable prosperity in the Global South. His closing remarks drew the event to a powerful close.

It is intended that this event will act as an incentive to more such training days undertaken across the continent. A counterbalance is urgently required to the well-funded and increasingly prominent pro-nuclear PR and marketing lobby which is making its voice heard loud and clear, both across the continent as well as within all major climate meetings.

RDI and TPNS extend sincere thanks to everyone – both speakers and attendees – who made it such and informative and energising gathering. Below are the highlights of an inspiring day.

Philip (RDI) & Deborah (TPNS)

HIGHLIGHTS

Press coverage

https://www.environewsnigeria.com/anti-nuclear-advocates-caution-nigeria-africa-against-nuclear-power-projects/

https://www.environewsnigeria.com/expert-urges-media-to-scrutinise-nuclear-power-programmes/

The Executive Director of the Environmental Defenders Network, Nigeria, Mr. Chima Williams, has called on journalists to play a more reflective and investigative role in reporting nuclear energy issues.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/05/rdi-journalists-hold-workshop-on-misadventure-of-nuclear-energy-programmes/

https://realnewsmagazine.net/african-anti-nuclear-advocates-rally-against-nigeria-continent-nuclear-power-plants/

https://thesun.ng/ngos-train-journalists-on-nuclear-energy-reporting/

https://bonewssng.com/transition-to-nuclear-energy-in-africa-is-a-dangerous-expensive-false-solution-experts-warn/

https://nigeriaupdates.com/africas-nuclear-push-faces-growing-scrutiny-as-experts-warn-nigeria-against-costly-energy-gamble/

https://thevoice.com.ng/rdi-trains-journalists-on-misadventure-of-nuclear-energy-in-africa/

https://peoplesdaily.ng/rdi-trains-journalists-on-africas-nuclear-energy-misadventure/

https://ait.live/experts-raise-alarm-over-proposed-nuclear-power-plans-in-nigeriaurge-transparency-renewable-energy-alternatives/

Stakeholders Warn Nigeria Against Nuclear Power Push

Event Recording

Photo Gallery

Contributors

Fadhel Kaboub, Associate Professor of Economics, Denison University, USA

Makoma.Lekalakala, Director at Earthlife South Africa

Anthony Kingi, Lance Mbani, Center for Justice Governance and Environmental Action (CJGEA), Kenya

Chansa Memory Kaluba, Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) Zambia

Vladimir Slivyak, Co-founder Eco defense, Russia

Stephan Singer, Climate Action Network & anti-nuclear activist Germany

Chima Williams, Barrister & Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN)

Resources

“The World Nuclear Industry Status Report remains the benchmark for distinguishing reality from illusion.”

Letizia Magaldi President, Kyoto Club, Rome, Italy, from the Foreword 2025

TWO REPORTS PUBLISHED FOR BONN

NATO’s 3.5% Spending Goal: Unsustainable on Every Count. New analysis by Tipping Point North South, TNI and Stop Wapenhandel shows NATO’s rapid military build‑up is already undermining global climate goals and threatening to divert trillions from clean‑energy investment.

‘The alarming rise of false climate solutions in Africa ― the nuclear energy misadventure’ has been prepared by campaigners as a collective advocacy report with a number of strong recommendations that reflect the breadth of civil society’s shared concerns about the development of nuclear energy across the continent. They are united in a call for a nuclear free Africa, safe from the dangers of nuclear energy and instead building a future powered by clean, affordable solutions.

BONN EVENTS: MILITARY SPENDING & EMISSIONS

Interfaith Liaison Committee Press Conference

Deborah was invited to speak on military spending and climate finance at the Interfaith Liaison Committee press conference for the launch of their Climate Justice Call to Action

Deborah’s contribution here.

CAN Intl Press Conference on Palestine/End the Siege

CAN International held a packed press conference to address the UNFCCC Secretariat’s censorship of Palestine solidarity actions, specifically the phrase “end the siege”. Deborah was able to raise the issue of Israel’s doubling of its military spending in one year; also referencing Israel’s attacks on Iran.

Disarming the Climate Crisis – Climate Camp

The climate camp runs a programme of activity in parallel to the main conference. Organised by the Peace and Demilitarisation working group the session looked at the impact of rising military spending on the MENA region specifically and the global south more widely. Hosted by Laura Wunder from IPPNW Germany, with speakers Fatemah Khafegy and Deborah Burton. (An article based on this session is being drafted)

BONN EVENTS: NUCLEAR ENERGY IN AFRICA

There was a side event held in the first week to promote nuclear power across Africa with speakers from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Economic Commission for Africa. To a packed room we asked two direct questions to both speakers (i) that nuclear energy will severely crowd out already precious and inadequate climate finance for mitigation, adaption and renewable energy generation projects and (ii) the grave concerns that many NGOs have about the lack of capacity to manage nuclear power plants safely and securely.

Thirty copies of the report Exec Summary were handed to attendees.

MEDIA COVERAGE of the report across the African continent has been extensive. Continue reading →