NNRA RECEIVES THE IAEA EXPERTS FOR ORPAS MISSION IN NIGERIA

NNRA RECEIVES THE IAEA EXPERTS FOR ORPAS MISSION IN NIGERIA

The Management Staff of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) on 10^th July, 2022 received Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for Occupational Radiation Protection Appraisal Service (ORPAS) Mission to Nigeria at the NNRA Headquarters in Abuja.

ORPAS Mission was to conduct an independent appraisal service in the field of radiation protection of radiation workers by Mission Experts carefully selected by the IAEA based on their experience. The appraisal service was provided by the IAEA at Nigeria’s request. The purpose of the mission was to appraise the legislative and regulatory infrastructure in line with international standards, and the practical implementation of a Nigeria’s occupational radiation protection programme.

The DG/CEO NNRA, Dr. Yau Idris at the Entry Meeting, welcomed the Mission Experts and commended the IAEA for its unwavering support in promoting the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology as well as ensuring nuclear safety and radiation protection in Nigeria and the world at large. He said the NNRA is open to learning and improving on its mandate to meet the international accepted best practice. The Mission Experts were assured of the NNRA’s cooperation to ensure they record a successful outing at the end of the meeting.

The ORPAS team coordinator, Mr. Ma Jizeng in his statement, noted that to achieve a successful ORPAS mission in Nigeria, it is important to have a hosting organization, and therefore thanked the NNRA for its support in coordinating and hosting the ORPAS mission in Nigeria.

The Mission Experts visited key facilities regulated by the NNRA across the country to appraise their level of compliance and implementation with regards to occupational radiation protection regulatory requirements. These facilities include:

1. Reddington Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos;
2. SGS Inspection Services Limited, Lagos;
3. Dormanlong Engineering Limited, Lagos;
4. Radiation Safety Technologies, Lagos;
5. National Institute of Radiation Protection and Research, Ibadan; and
6. National Hospital, Abuja.

The ORPAS Mission which lasted Six days had its Exit Meeting held at the NNRA Headquarters on the 15^th July 2022, with Management Staff, some Staff of NNRA and relevant Stakeholders in attendance. The ORPAS team leader, Dr. Hilbroad E. Muhogora, in his submission at the exit briefing, observed that there is high level of compliance and cordial relationship between NNRA and the facilities, stating that “such practice is applaudable”. He commended the NNRA for its consistent efforts in ensuring safety and security of lives while optimizing radiation safety cultures and quality systems at facilities.

The DG/CEO NNRA, Dr. Yau Idris thanked the IAEA Mission Experts for a successful appraisal service and wish everyone one of them a safe trip back to their destinations.