NNRA CARRIES OUT INSPECTION OF THE NIGERIA NUCLEAR RESERCH REACTOR (NiRR-1)

NNRA CARRIES OUT INSPECTION OF THE NIGERIA NUCLEAR RESERCH REACTOR (NiRR-1)

A team of Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) Inspectors visited the Centre of Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, from 16^th to 18^th February 2021. The purpose of the inspection was to assess the compliance of CERT with the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act 19 of 1995, the Nigerian Safety of Research Reactor Regulations, 2021, the Operation Limits and Conditions as contained in the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR), as well as the Terms and Conditions of the previous Operation Licence for NiRR-1.

The team of Inspectors met with the Ag Director of the CERT Prof I.M Umar and the objectives of the Inspection was outlined at the entry briefing. While welcoming the team, Prof Umar acknowledged cooperation between CERT and NNRA, noting that the Centre was prepared for the visit. Thereafter, the team of NNRA Inspectors conducted a tour of the facility and assessed documents and records relating to the safe operation and maintenance of the facility. The team also conducted interviews with various operational staff of the facility and verified various activities necessary for the safety of NiRR-1.

During the inspection, the NNRA Inspectors witnessed a test operation of the facility and verified CERT’s compliance with the approved Operation Limits and Conditions of the Reactor Operation License. Background radiation measurement was carried out before and after the test operation at designated points and the readings were within safe limits.

An exit briefing was held with the Director and other Officials of CERT to conclude the visit. The findings of the inspection were discussed during the briefing and a concordance statement was written, agreed upon and signed by both CERT and NNRA Inspectors.