The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) has commenced a Nuclear Security Awareness Training for essential officials to strengthen the nation’s capability to forestall illicit trafficking of nuclear and different radioactive supplies.
Declaring the training open on the Airport Hotel, Abuja, on Monday, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the NNRA, Dr Yau Usman Idris, stated nuclear security is a essential part of nationwide security that requires sustained vigilance and inter-agency cooperation.
Dr Idris stated the NNRA was established by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of 1995 with the mandate to allow Nigeria to satisfy its nationwide and worldwide security and security obligations within the utility of nuclear power and ionising radiation.
He famous that whereas nuclear know-how gives vital advantages in healthcare, agriculture, analysis, business and power, the supplies have to be correctly protected towards theft, unauthorised entry and sabotage.
“Any compromise in their security could have serious consequences for public safety, national security, the environment, and the economy,” he stated.
The DG described frontline officers at airports, seaports and border crossings as the primary line of defence, including that their capability to recognise indicators of illicit trafficking and provoke an applicable response may make a essential distinction in stopping security incidents.
“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,” he stated.
He urged members to concentrate to radiation fundamentals, risk evaluation, detection methods, identification of suspicious circumstances and procedures for reporting and responding to incidents.
Dr Idris pressured that no single company can handle nuclear security threats in isolation, calling for well timed information-sharing, clear communication and coordinated motion amongst stakeholders.
He charged members to take the training significantly and to translate the information gained into sensible enhancements of their every day duties, whereas additionally passing it right down to colleagues of their respective organisations.
The DG stated the NNRA stays dedicated to constructing a reliable and vigilant workforce able to defending nuclear and different radioactive supplies towards malicious acts and guaranteeing their use for peaceable and legit functions.
Participants on the training embrace officers of aviation security, Customs and different frontline businesses working on the airport.
