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 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 software of nuclear power and ionising radiation.
He famous that whereas nuclear expertise provides important advantages in healthcare, agriculture, analysis, business and power, the supplies have to be correctly protected towards theft, unauthorised entry and sabotage.
“Any compromise of their security might 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 capability to recognise indicators of illicit trafficking and provoke an applicable response might make a essential distinction in stopping security incidents.
“Basic nuclear security information just isn’t merely a further skilled qualification; it’s a vital component of preparedness for officers entrusted with defending lives, essential infrastructure and nationwide pursuits,” he mentioned.
He urged contributors to concentrate to radiation fundamentals, menace evaluation, detection strategies, identification of suspicious circumstances and procedures for reporting and responding to incidents.
Dr Idris careworn 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 contributors to take the training significantly and to translate the information gained into sensible enhancements of their day by 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 legit functions.
Participants on the training embody officers of aviation security, Customs and different frontline businesses working on the airport.
