NNRA HOSTED THE IAEA SAFEGUARDS INSPECTORS

NNRA HOSTED THE IAEA SAFEGUARDS INSPECTORS

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards Inspectors visited Nigeria from 27^th-28^th June, 2022 for Physical Inventory Verification (PIV). The visit is in line with the Agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the IAEA on the application of Safeguards in connection with the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) (INFCIRC/358) and the Protocol Additional to the Safeguards Agreement (INFCIRC/358 ADD.1). The visit was to verify Nigeria’s compliance with its safeguards obligations under this Agreement.

The IAEA safeguards Inspectors, Ms.  Rahab H. Eitayb and Mr. Bruno Andre Chesnay alongside NNRA Safeguards Inspectors visited designated facilities and Location Outside Facilities (LOF) in Zaria. At the end of their inspections, the IAEA Inspectors remarked that the inspection was satisfactory and that the nuclear material and equipment are used base on Nigeria’s safeguards obligations.

The IAEA Safeguards Inspectors were received at the NNRA Headquarters on the 28^th June, 2022 by the DG/CEO NNRA Dr. Yau Idris. Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Yau Idris welcomed the team and briefed them on the activities of the Authority which is primarily to ensure nuclear safety and radiation protection in Nigeria. He submitted that the importance of nuclear safeguards cannot be overemphasized and assured the team of NNRA’s cooperation to ensure they have a hitch free inspection.

The IAEA Inspectors along with the NNRA Safeguards Inspectors went on to check dedicated books and records of the Authority for compliance. In her remarks, the Lead Inspector, Ms. Rahab H. Eltayb, commended the NNRA for doing a good job as regards its safeguards activities. She thanked the NNRA for its consistent support in ensuring that IAEA Safeguards Inspections in Nigeria attain success. She also thanked the Authority for the logistics support provided in making the 2022 Annual Safeguards PIV visit to Zaria feasible. She encouraged the Safeguards Division of the NNRA to continue carrying out their quarterly inspection in order to monitor the use of nuclear material in the country.