NNRA HOST 32 AFRICAN COUNTRIES IN ABUJA FOR A TWO-WEEKS IAEA REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE ON SCHOOL OF RADIATION EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

NNRA HOST 32 AFRICAN COUNTRIES IN ABUJA FOR A TWO-WEEKS IAEA REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE ON SCHOOL OF RADIATION EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The NNRA in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is currently hosting an African Regional Training Course on School of Radiation Emergency Management. The course is taking place in Abuja from June 23 to July 4, 2025, and brings together participants from 32 African countries.

Organized under the framework of the IAEA-AFRA Regional Project RAF9070, “Enhancing Radiation Safety Infrastructure in Africa” the training aims to strengthen the capacity of African Member States in developing and managing effective Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) programmes for nuclear and radiological incidents.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Yau Idris, the DG/CEO of NNRA, emphasized the importance of proactive planning and international collaboration in building robust safety infrastructures. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global best practices in radiation emergency preparedness and underlined the country’s leadership role in regional capacity development.

Ms. Monica Dobbertin the IAEA Emergency Preparedness Coordinator in her remarks thank the leadership of Nigeria for proposing and hosting the training which is the first to be hosted in Africa.

Ms. Rana Ahmed, the IAEA Lead Expert for the training welcomed participants to what she described as the inaugural School of Radiation Emergency Management. She underscored the critical need to build both national and regional capacities, praising NNRA and Dr. Idris for their strong partnership and initiative in hosting the event.

Ms. Ahmed highlighted the comprehensive nature of the course, which includes knowledge sharing, hands-on exercises, and the dissemination of global best practices. She also outlined the vital functions of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) in coordinating international responses, offering technical assistance, and maintaining a 24/7 emergency communication system.

In declaring the course officially open, she urged participants to actively engage and collaborate, noting that collective preparedness is essential for effectively managing radiological emergencies and safeguarding public health and safety.

The training course not only enhances regional collaboration and strengthens national capabilities but also contributes to a safer and more resilient Africa in the face of potential radiological emergencies.