The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) has commenced a Nuclear Security Awareness Training for essential officials to strengthen the nation’s capability to stop 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 essential part 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 software of nuclear vitality and ionising radiation.
He famous that whereas nuclear expertise provides vital advantages in healthcare, agriculture, analysis, business and vitality, the supplies should be correctly protected in opposition to theft, unauthorised entry and sabotage.
“Any compromise of their security may have severe penalties for public security, nationwide security, the setting, and the economic system,” he mentioned.
The DG described frontline officers at airports, seaports and border crossings as the primary line of defence, including that their means to recognise indicators of illicit trafficking and provoke an applicable response may make a essential distinction in stopping security incidents.
“Basic nuclear security data will not be merely an extra skilled qualification; it’s a vital aspect of preparedness for officers entrusted with defending lives, essential infrastructure and nationwide pursuits,” he mentioned.
He urged individuals to concentrate to radiation fundamentals, risk evaluation, detection strategies, identification of suspicious circumstances and procedures for reporting and responding to incidents.
Dr Idris confused 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 individuals to take the training critically and to translate the data gained into sensible enhancements of their every day duties, whereas additionally passing it right 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 in opposition to malicious acts and making certain their use for peaceable and bonafide functions.
Participants on the training embrace officers of aviation security, Customs and different frontline companies working on the airport.
