NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON TRANSORT SECURITY REGULATIONS FOR NUCLEAR AND OTHER RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, November 2019.

NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON TRANSORT SECURITY REGULATIONS FOR NUCLEAR AND OTHER RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, November 2019.

The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) in collaboration with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is organizing a 4 Days National Workshop on Transportation Security Regulations for Nuclear and other Radioactive Material at the NNRA Headquarters Abuja from 25^th -28^th November, 2019.

The objective of the workshop is to review relevant provisions on transportation security of radioactive material in the draft revised Nigerian Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear security series document NSS.9.

The Acting DG/CEO NNRA, Dr. Yau Usman Idris while delivering his keynote speech, welcomed the two experts Mr Pissulla Thomas of the IAEA and  Mr. Fialkoff Marc from Oak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL) to Nigeria and appreciated the IAEA’s efforts in the area of nuclear security in Nigeria. Speaking further, he indicated that the workshop is holding at the right time as NNRA is about to finalize and gazette its draft reviewed regulations in the transportation of radioactive material.

The Ag. DG reiterates NNRA’s commitment in ensuring compliance with the National and International obligations and best practices in the area of transport security of Nuclear and other radioactive material is upheld in the country. According to the Ag. DG, it is expected that the workshop will provide the much needed guidance in developing transport security regulations

The IAEA Expert Dr Thomas Pissilla, in his remark submitted that nuclear and other radioactive material are an essential part of modern life as they provide great benefit to human beings in medicine, industry and many other areas. However, it is important that these materials are protected from misuse by adversaries and ensuring that effective counter-measures are put in place by all countries to reduce theft.

He further stated that the goal of the workshop is to assist the NNRA in finalizing its draft regulations on transport security, harmonized all grey areas, supports the NNRA with further clarifications where necessary.

The Expert from ORNL Mr Fialkoff Marc, indicated that a robust legal infrastructure is an integral part of transport regulation that implements and enforce transport security in all Member States of IAEA. He encouraged participants to ask all necessary questions.

The General Manager, Nuclear Safety, Physical Security and Safeguards Dr. Nasiru Bello appreciated the Ag. DG and NNRA Management for their usual cooperation in providing a platform for the workshop. He urged all participants to remain active and make useful contributions.