JIGAWA STATE GOVERNMENT SEEKS NNRA’S EXPERTISE IN PARTNERSHIP

JIGAWA STATE GOVERNMENT SEEKS NNRA’S EXPERTISE IN PARTNERSHIP

Jigawa State Governor, His Excellency, Mallam Umar Namadi was at the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority’s (NNRA) Headquarters in Abuja on 4^th August, 2023 for a follow-up visit on the proposal to partner with the NNRA earlier made by his predecessor. The governor was received by the DG/CEO of NNRA Dr. Yau Idris and his Management Team.

Mallam Namadi stated that the visit was necessary owing to NNRA’s competence and successes recorded in ensuring nuclear safety and security of radioactive sources and nuclear materials in the country as well as protecting lives, property and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. He also stated that farming is the major occupation in the State and thus the soils needed radiological evaluation to ensure agricultural increase and abundance in the State, hence the need to seek NNRA’s expertise in that area. 

He said, this assessment and, the radiological evaluation of water samples from various locations within the state to ascertain concentration of heavy metals leading to incessant kidney related diseases in Jigawa, will give the farmers a comprehensive understanding of the soil fertility mapping, dose rate measurement, soil suitability, trace elements analysis of water samples, mineral resources determination and exploration potentials as well as agricultural planning and management. He solicited with NNRA Management to consider holding periodic stakeholders meetings in the state and training its people in the relevant fields in order to enhance productivity and boost the State’s economy.

While responding, Dr. Yau Idris, DG/CEO NNRA appreciated the Governor for the visit and stated that NNRA’s role is not limited to agricultural sector but health, oil and gas, research and development, mining and manufacturing sectors amongst others. He affirmed that NNRA is more than ready to partner with the State in the outlined area of interest to ensure smooth delivery of his mandate and enhancement of the economic growth of the State.