In order to enhance Nigeria’s ability to combat the illegal trade in nuclear and other radioactive materials, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) has initiated a Nuclear Security Awareness Training for key staff.
At Monday’s opening ceremony at the Airport Hotel in Abuja, NNRA Director General and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Yau Usman Idris emphasised the need of interagency cooperation and constant vigilance in ensuring nuclear security, which is an integral part of national security.
In order for Nigeria to fulfilll its national and international safety and security responsibilities for the use of nuclear power and ionising radiation, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of 1995, according to Dr. Idris, established the NNRA.
While he acknowledged the many potential applications of nuclear power in fields like as medicine, agriculture, science, and energy, he stressed the need of safeguarding nuclear materials from theft, unauthorised access, and sabotage.
Officials at airports, seaports, and border crossings are the first line of defence, according to the DG. If they can spot signs of illegal trafficking and respond accordingly, it might make a huge difference in avoiding security issues.
“Basic nuclear security knowledge is not merely an additional professional qualification; it is an essential element of preparedness for officers entrusted with protecting lives, critical infrastructure and national interests,” stated he.
Radiation basics, threat assessment, detection methods, recognising suspicious situations, and incident reporting and response protocols were among the topics he stressed to the attendees.
Dr. Idris emphasised the need for stakeholders to share information promptly, communicate clearly, and work together in order to tackle nuclear security concerns.
Those in attendance were admonished to give the training their all, apply what they learned to their work, and share what they learned with others in their companies.
A professional and diligent personnel capable of preserving nuclear and other radioactive materials from malicious activities and ensuring their use for peaceful and lawful purposes is NNRA’s ongoing commitment, according to the DG.
Members of the airport’s frontline security force, customs agents, and others will be attending the training.