NNRA begins nuclear security training for airport, border officials

The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) has initiated a Nuclear Security Awareness Training for key personnel to bolster the nation's defenses against illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials. At the Airport Hotel in Abuja on Monday, NNRA's Director General and CEO, Dr Yau Usman Idris, inaugurated the training.

Dr Idris emphasized that nuclear security is an integral part of national security that necessitates constant vigilance and collaboration among various agencies. The NNRA, established by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of 1995, is tasked with ensuring compliance with national and international safety and security standards in the use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation.

He highlighted that while nuclear technology brings numerous advantages to sectors like healthcare, agriculture, research, industry, and energy, it is imperative to safeguard these materials from theft, unauthorized access, and sabotage. Failure to do so could pose grave risks to public safety, national security, the environment, and the economy.

Dr Idris pointed out that frontline officers at airports, seaports, and border checkpoints serve as the initial line of defense, and their ability to identify signs of illicit trafficking and respond appropriately could significantly avert security incidents. Basic nuclear security knowledge is not merely an extra professional requirement; it is a crucial component of readiness for officers responsible for safeguarding lives, critical infrastructure, and national interests.

He encouraged participants to focus on radiation fundamentals, threat assessment, detection methods, identification of suspicious situations, and protocols for reporting and responding to incidents. Dr Idris stressed the need for information sharing, clear communication, and coordinated efforts among all stakeholders, as no single agency can effectively tackle nuclear security threats alone.

He urged participants to grasp the training's content and apply it to enhance their daily responsibilities, while also disseminating this knowledge to colleagues in their respective organizations. Dr Idris affirmed that the NNRA is committed to nurturing a skilled and watchful workforce capable of protecting nuclear and other radioactive materials from malicious actions, ensuring their use is restricted to peaceful and legitimate purposes.