Short answer. Nigeria has no nuclear power plant: the IAEA's PRIS database lists none 2. Its only reactor is NIRR-1, a 30 kW research reactor at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria 1. Nigeria publishes no potassium iodide zones, stockpile, distribution plan or dose table, and Phaenyx found no thyroid-blocking potassium iodide tablet in NAFDAC's register of approved medicines 3.
Does Nigeria have nuclear power plants?
No. Nigeria is not among the countries with nuclear power reactors in the IAEA's Power Reactor Information System 2. The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) lists one research reactor: NIRR-1, at the Centre for Energy Research and Training of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State 1. The NNRA describes it as "a 30 kW Miniature Neuron Source (MNSR) installed in 1999", licensed by the NNRA on 1 June 2004 and used mainly for analysis, limited production of short-lived radioisotopes and training 1. The NNRA also lists a gamma irradiation facility near Abuja 1.
Is there an iodine tablet plan in Nigeria?
Phaenyx found none. No national authority publishes iodine-tablet zones, stockpiles, pre-distribution or a dose table for Nigeria. The general principle of iodine tablets, and why they protect only the thyroid, is explained in our guide on potassium iodide. As a general rule, take potassium iodide only when the authorities tell you to (see that guide).
Can I buy iodine tablets in Nigeria?
Phaenyx found no thyroid-blocking (65 mg or 130 mg) potassium iodide tablet in NAFDAC's Greenbook of approved medicines. A search for "iodide" on 13 November 2026 returned only eye drops, an alcoholic iodine solution for use on the skin, and an inactive multivitamin syrup 3. Without a registered product, there is no published sale rule for these tablets.
Is there an official dose table?
No. Nigeria publishes no table of potassium iodide doses by age: no national authority issues thyroid-blocking guidance, and no thyroid-blocking product is registered 3.
What would happen in a radiological emergency?
NEMA's National Disaster Risk Management Policy (2018) says chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear emergencies will be handled by existing mechanisms, with NEMA in support 4. Phaenyx found no public radiological emergency instructions for households. The general steps (get inside, stay inside, stay tuned) are in our guides on nuclear plant zones, radiation decontamination and shelter or evacuate?.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nigeria distribute iodine tablets?
No distribution or stockpile is published.
Is the Zaria research reactor dangerous?
The NNRA describes NIRR-1 as "a small, compact and safe reactor" of 30 kW 1. No public emergency zone around it is published.
Is a nuclear power plant planned?
Nigeria was not among the countries with power reactors in operation or under construction in the IAEA's PRIS list archived in January 2025 2.
Preparedness index: Nigeria ranks 65th of 67, 19/100 · full ranking
Sources · 4
- Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) · Nuclear Facilities checked 2026-11-13
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) · PRIS Country Statistics: countries with nuclear power reactors (Nigeria not listed; archived 12 January 2025) checked 2026-11-13
- National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) · NAFDAC Greenbook: register of approved medicines (search 'iodide') checked 2026-11-13
- National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) · National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2018 checked 2026-11-13