INTER-REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON RADIOACTIVE SOURCE MANAGEMENT TAKES CENTER STAGE IN ABUJA, NIGERIA.

INTER-REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON RADIOACTIVE SOURCE MANAGEMENT TAKES CENTER STAGE IN ABUJA, NIGERIA.

The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), in conjunction with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is hosting a five-day Inter-Regional Workshop on the Development of National Policies and Strategies for the Management of Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS). The Workshop is holding in Abuja, Nigeria from 11^th to 15^th December, 2023.

The primary goal of this Inter-Regional Workshop is to assist participating countries in developing national policies and strategies for the effective management of disused sealed radioactive sources. This collaborative effort aims to foster a collective commitment to nuclear security and enhance the capabilities of participating countries.

Dr. Yau Idris, Director-General/CEO of NNRA, in his opening remark welcomed the participants and expressed his enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts of the IAEA in improving the security of nuclear material, radioactive material, associated facilities and associated activities globally. He further emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing challenges related to radioactive source management once it becomes disused. The Director-General, highlighted the significance of sharing knowledge and best practices in the workshop as it would greatly strengthen the foundation of nuclear security not only in Nigeria but across participating regions.

Mr. Younes El Abarri, an Expert from IAEA, in his speech, emphasized on the global significance of responsible radioactive source management. He stated that the workshop will focus on the intricacies of policy development processes, explore the nuances of compliance with the IAEA Safety Standards and Nuclear Security Series Publications and engage in practical exercises that will undoubtedly enrich participants understanding of the subject matter. He added that practical group exercises with hands-on experience in the application of graded approach to policy and strategy development will ensure that deliberations are not only theoretical but also practical and impactful.  

Countries participating in the Inter-Regional include; Sudan, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mongolia, Iraq, Ethiopia, and Albania and Nigeria.

The workshop witnesses the active participation of key local organizations, including the NNRA, Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Centre for Energy Research and Training in Zaria, and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Their participation underscores the multi-faceted approach needed to address the complexities of managing Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources.