The State of Nigeria has announced that it will file a formal complaint against the French group ORAN, following the discovery of 400 barrels containing radioactive nuclei in the department of Arlit, located in the north of the country.
More than 400 tons of radioactive nuclei found
At a press conference held on December 2, 2025, Niger’s Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Alio Daouda, outlined the details of the situation. The discovery of these radioactive casks The discovery of these radioactive casks followed an inspection that found highly toxic materials stored in an irregular manner.
According to radiation measurements, the toxicity levels of these wastes vary between 7 and 10 microsieverts per hour, much higher than the 0.5 microsieverts per hour considered normal for human exposure.
Minister Daouda expressed his dissatisfaction with ORANO’s attitude, accusing the company of acting with total disregard for Nigerian sovereignty and the safety of its population. According to the official, the behavior of the French company demonstrates a profound disdain for the authorities and the people of Nigeria, which has struggled in recent years to regain control of its natural resources, such as uranium, through the nationalization of its mining companies.
The discovery of these radioactive casks at Madaouela highlights the serious risks associated with the handling and storage of nuclear waste. storage of nuclear waste in the region. in the region. The Nigerian authorities fear that, in addition to the 400 casks discovered, more radioactive waste may exist unchecked, which could have much more serious consequences for public health and the environment.
Minister Daouda expressed concern about the possible long-term implications of this negligence, stating that the waste could contaminate the air and water in the area, exposing the local population to respiratory diseases and other serious health problems.
Despite the legal actions taken by the Nigerian state, ORANO has requested arbitration before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes(ICSID) and the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States(CCJA). However, the Nigerian government assures that it will continue with its legal struggle to demand reparation for the damages caused to the population and the environment, holding the company responsible for the harmful effects of its activities in the country.
Sources and photo: ANP