NNRA AND NPA OFFICIALS DISCUSS SECURITY WAYFORWARD

NNRA AND NPA OFFICIALS DISCUSS SECURITY WAYFORWARD

In its efforts to address the threat of nuclear terrorism and prevent illicit acquisition of nuclear materials by non-state actors such as terrorist groups and smugglers, The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) hosted the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on the 6^th of June, 2023 in its Headquarters, Abuja.

The meeting centered on introducing nuclear security modules to NPA training institutions to provide its personnel with adequate knowledge on the appropriate use of radiation detection equipment such as portal monitors, radioisotope identification devices, personal radiation detectors and other relevant equipment to enhance human capacity development in the area of nuclear security and effective management of the Nigerian Ports.

The DG/CEO,NNRA ably represented by the General Manager, Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Dr. Nasirudeen Bello, stated that National Nuclear Security Coordination Centre (NNSCC) was established to develop a sustainable and effective human resource capability through the provision and implementation of a National Nuclear Security Training Program, and to meet the requirements of the national nuclear security regime in addition to effective technical and scientific support service to manage and maintain equipment used for the prevention, detection of and response to nuclear security events amongst others.

He noted that NNRA through NNSCC has developed training materials that NPA personnel can acquire relevant knowledge on how to carry out their duties of identifying radioactive sources especially at points of entry/exit.

The NPA Team Lead, Assistant General Manager Security, Mr. Albert Onyeka appreciated the authority for the timely invitation and said acquiring knowledge from experts has become part of NPA’s priority particularly in the area of nuclear security. He added that a communiqué of the meeting will be prepared and presented to the NPA management for prompt implementation for national security.

NNSCC Coordinator, Mr. Adamu Abdul remarked that the programme is specially designed to train the front line officers that will have first contact with nuclear and other radioactive materials at the ports when imported. He affirmed that the training will also dwell on mitigating insider threats stating that the introductory and intermediate training materials shall be customized to meet special needs of stakeholders’ organizations

The Coordinator took the NPA officers on a tour of the various laboratories of the center which included the physical protection systems laboratory, Radiation Detection Equipment Laboratory, and ICT Laboratory.