The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) has commenced a Nuclear Security Awareness Training for critical officials to strengthen the country's capacity to prevent illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials.
Declaring the training open at the Airport Hotel, Abuja, on Monday, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the NNRA, Dr Yau Usman Idris, said nuclear security is a critical component of national security that requires sustained vigilance and inter-agency cooperation.
Dr Idris said the NNRA was established by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of 1995 with the mandate to enable Nigeria to meet its national and international safety and security obligations in the application of nuclear energy and ionising radiation.
He noted that while nuclear technology offers significant benefits in healthcare, agriculture, research, industry and energy, the materials must be properly protected against theft, unauthorised access and sabotage.
"Any compromise in their security could have serious consequences for public safety, national security, the environment, and the economy," he said.
The DG described frontline officers at airports, seaports and border crossings as the first line of defence, adding that their ability to recognise indicators of illicit trafficking and initiate an appropriate response could make a critical difference in preventing security incidents.
"Basic nuclear security knowledge is not merely an additional professional qualification; it is an essential element of preparedness for officers entrusted with protecting lives, critical infrastructure and national interests," he said.
He urged participants to pay attention to radiation basics, threat assessment, detection techniques, identification of suspicious circumstances and procedures for reporting and responding to incidents.
Dr Idris stressed that no single agency can address nuclear security threats in isolation, calling for timely information-sharing, clear communication and coordinated action among stakeholders.
He charged participants to take the training seriously and to translate the knowledge gained into practical improvements in their daily duties, while also passing it down to colleagues in their respective organisations.
The DG said the NNRA remains committed to building a competent and vigilant workforce capable of protecting nuclear and other radioactive materials against malicious acts and ensuring their use for peaceful and legitimate purposes.
Participants at the training include officers of aviation security, Customs and other frontline agencies operating at the airport.
NNRA begins nuclear security training for airport, border officials