NNRA AND EU CELEBRATE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF NUCLEAR SAFETY PROJECT

NNRA AND EU CELEBRATE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF NUCLEAR SAFETY PROJECT

The NNRA, in partnership with the European Union through the European Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC), has successfully concluded the two-and-a-half-year project titled “Increased Capacity and Capabilities of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority.”

The closing ceremony and dissemination workshop brought together government officials, international partners, technical experts, and members of the media to review the key achievements and outcomes of the initiative.

In his remarks, the DG/CEO of NNRA, represented by the General Manager, Radiological Safety Department, Farouq Ingawa, stated that the project significantly strengthened Nigeria’s nuclear and radiation safety infrastructure, enhanced technical expertise, and reinforced the Authority’s institutional capacity.

He highlighted major outcomes of the project, including the development of the Draft National Policy and Strategy for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, the draft regulation on licensing nuclear facilities, and the strengthening of NNRA’s Integrated Management System. According to him, these milestones align Nigeria’s regulatory framework with international best practices and support the country’s preparedness for future priorities, including the introduction of nuclear power.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Ambassador of Belgium to Nigeria, the Deputy Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the Chairman of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), is representative of the DG of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, and the Director of the Centre for Energy Research and Training.

Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Patience Nwakuso Oyekunle, expressed appreciation to the European Union for its financial and technical support. She commended NNRA, ENCO, and all implementing partners for their commitment and professionalism, noting that the project demonstrates the value of international collaboration in strengthening nuclear safety and national capacity development.

NNRA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nuclear and radiation safety in Nigeria. The Authority emphasized that sustained partnerships and capacity-building initiatives remain essential for strengthening regulatory systems, protecting people and the environment, and ensuring that the peaceful use of nuclear technology continues to contribute safely to Nigeria’s national development.