ADVANCING RADIATION SAFETY AND SECURITY FOR THE BENEFIT OF NIGERIANS REMAINS A PRIORITY, SAYS FG

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella (5th right-sitting) in a group photograph with the participants  at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) first Coordination meeting of RAF9070 taking place in Abuja.

"Nuclear Regulators throughout the world face significant challenges given the complexity and diversity of activities and practices involving radioactive and nuclear materials and radiation generating devices." Amb. Ella 

The Federal Government remains very committed to advancing radiation safety and security for the benefit of the present and future generations. 

This was the disclosure of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) first Coordination meeting of RAF 9070 Project.

With the theme; "Enhancing the Radiation Safety Infrastructure (AFRA)" organised by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday, 13th May, 2024 in Abuja.

Amb. Ella recalled that the Integrated Regulatory Service (IRRS) Mission held in 2017, recognised that "Nigeria has a committed regulatory body for the protection of people and the environment, and for continuous improvement of safety, which has also been demonstrated with the invitation of IRRS Mission." He said.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the IRRS team also identified a good practice and made recommendations where improvements are necessary to enhance NNRA's regulatory framework in line with the IAEA safety standards.

"The identified good practice was that NNRA conducts routine workshops and training s about the possible radiation risks associated with facilities and activities  and about the processes and decisions of the regulatory body", he stated.

Ella acknowledged that Nuclear Regulators throughout the world face significant challenges given the complexity and diversity of activities and practices involving radioactive and nuclear materials and radiation generating devices. 

He therefore charged the participants to be good Ambassadors and Representatives of their respective countries and make their participation productively worthwhile with utmost commitment towards proffering positive contributions that will help the project to succeed. 

Experts at the five-day workshop were drawn from the continent of  Africa  and across the International Community, most especially the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa (Mrs), Deputy Director (Press and Public Relations) Information Department of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Abuja.