Russia’s Putin set to build two nuclear plants in Nigeria

Russia state owned energy giant Rosatom  has signed a deal to build two nuclear power plants in Nigeria, as  Nigeria seeks to end its energy crisis.

The deal was reached after a long period of negotiation, with the two countries signing their first intergovernmental nuclear co-operation agreement in 2009.

The federal government hopes the plants, which will initially be operated by Rosatom before they are handed over, will help deal with the country’s energy deficit.

Construction of the new power plants is expected to begin in the next two years

Rosatom will build one in the south, the other in the North central, sources at the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission said.

The deal’s exact worth is unknown, although some reports suggest it is likely in the region of $20bn (£15bn), according to the BBC.

The company is also involved in discussions in Ghana and South Africa.

An initial agreement with the latter to build a plant was ruled unlawful in a South African court earlier this year.