NNRA CONDUCTS TABLE-TOP EXERCISE ON MANAGEMENT OF RESPONSE TO A NUCLEAR SECURITY EVENT AT A NUCLEAR FACILITY

NNRA CONDUCTS TABLE-TOP EXERCISE ON MANAGEMENT OF RESPONSE TO A NUCLEAR SECURITY EVENT AT A NUCLEAR FACILITY

Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) in collaboration with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organized a four day National Workshop on Table-top Exercise on Management of Response to a Nuclear Security Event at Nuclear Facilities from 22^nd to 25^th May, 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The objective workshop was to enhance Nigeria’s capability to effectively manage response to any nuclear security event involving nuclear material and to ensure that all nuclear materials out of regulatory control are located and recovered through the implementation of rapid and comprehensive response measures.

The Director General of the NNRA, Dr. Yau Idris, who was represented by the General Manager, Medical Application Safety Department, Mr Farouq Ingawa, welcomed to the workshop the IAEA Experts, and participants from various stakeholder organizations, including NNRA Officers. He noted that NNRA is committed to ensuring safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive sources in Nigeria through the protection of lives, properties and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

The IAEA Expert team lead and the Scientific Secretary for the Workshop, Mr. James Beardsley, indicated that the workshop was a step in the right direction and was necessary for the maturing of the nuclear security regime in Nigeria. He applauded NNRA’s commitment and efforts in organizing this important Table-top Workshop and promised to share with participants his years of experience with the IAEA.

Similarly, another IAEA Expert, Mr. Henrique Romao Ceser from Brazil stated that his expectation for the workshop was to share expertise and to also learn from Nigeria’s experience through the participants. Mr. Cesar also noted that he looked forward to a robust partnership between Nigeria and Brazil through the IAEA.

The Workshop comprised of diverse presentations, Table-top exercises and extensive group discussions amongst a broad spectrum of participants. Participants at the event were drawn from the Center for Energy Research and Training (CERT), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority and various Security Agencies including; Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Security Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC) and Department of State Services (DSS).