The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) has commenced a Nuclear Security Awareness Training for important 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, mentioned nuclear security is a important element of nationwide security that requires sustained vigilance and inter-agency cooperation.
Dr Idris mentioned the NNRA was established by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of 1995 with the mandate to allow Nigeria to fulfill its nationwide and worldwide security and security obligations within the utility of nuclear power and ionising radiation.
He famous that whereas nuclear expertise presents vital advantages in healthcare, agriculture, analysis, trade and power, the supplies should 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 mentioned.
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 acceptable response might make a important 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 mentioned.
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 harassed 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 critically and to translate the data gained into sensible enhancements of their each day duties, whereas additionally passing it all the way down to colleagues of their respective organisations.
The DG mentioned 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 bonafide functions.
Participants on the training embody officers of aviation security, Customs and different frontline businesses working on the airport.
