Nigeria has finalised a significant nuclear safety cooperation initiative spanning two and a half years, implemented by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) with crucial support from the European Union (EU). This project was designed to bolster the nation's regulatory framework and technical capabilities concerning the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
At a concluding event and dissemination workshop held in Abuja on Thursday, officials and international partners acknowledged the project's success in enhancing Nigeria's regulatory framework, technical expertise, and overall preparedness for managing nuclear and radiation technologies. These technologies are vital across various sectors, including oil and gas, healthcare, agriculture, research, and energy planning.
Patience Oyekunle, representing the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, noted that the partnership exemplifies the effectiveness of collaborations built on shared responsibilities and a dedication to safety and sustainable practices. She highlighted that the Nigeria-EU cooperation has strengthened the country's nuclear safety infrastructure to meet global benchmarks.
Oyekunle emphasised that while nuclear and radiation technologies offer substantial advantages, safety must remain the paramount concern in all their peaceful applications. She explained that key frameworks developed during the project will significantly improve Nigeria's regulatory oversight.
Among the critical outputs are a draft National Nuclear and Radiation Safety Policy and Strategy, underscoring Nigeria's commitment to safety in nuclear technology use. Additionally, a newly drafted regulation for the licensing of nuclear facilities has been produced, completing Nigeria's regulatory structure for nuclear oversight.
The development of an Integrated Management System (IMS) is also expected to enhance regulatory decision-making through increased transparency, consistency, and improved quality assurance mechanisms.
Oyekunle conveyed gratitude to the EU for its financial and technical assistance, deeming the project a pivotal achievement in Nigeria's pursuit of aligning its nuclear safety systems with international best practices. She attributed the successful outcomes to the diligent efforts of technical experts, project leaders, and management over the project's duration.
Dr. Yau Idris, Director General of the NNRA, whose remarks were delivered by Farouq Ingawa, General Manager for Radiological Safety, stated that the initiative has effectively strengthened the authority's institutional capacity and regulatory performance. He explained that the project, funded under the EU's Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC), has brought Nigeria's nuclear regulatory frameworks into closer alignment with international standards.
Idris noted that the project's structure involved five task groups, each addressing key operational aspects of the regulatory body. He stressed that while the project has formally ended, the drive to enhance nuclear safety in Nigeria is ongoing, and the developed regulations require official approval and gazetting to be fully implemented.
Anthony Ekedegwa, Chairman of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), also underscored the importance of a robust regulatory system for the safe deployment of nuclear technologies. He asserted that effective nuclear regulation is essential to guarantee the safety and societal benefit of technologies used in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, research, and industry.
Ekedegwa praised the EU for its sustained commitment to advancing nuclear safety worldwide and expressed confidence that this collaboration would fortify Nigeria's regulatory infrastructure.
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), represented by Felix Olu, described the project as vital for capacity building, particularly as Nigeria prepares to establish a multipurpose nuclear research reactor. He highlighted the necessity of strengthening the NNRA's capabilities in anticipation of such developments to ensure nuclear programmes are managed safely and responsibly.
Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Ambassador of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended Nigeria's consistent progress in developing its nuclear regulatory systems. He stated that the collaboration, informed by European expertise and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommendations, is guiding Nigeria towards developing its nuclear sector safely and responsibly.
Vergos suggested that Nigeria's advancement in establishing a strong, independent nuclear regulatory system could serve as a valuable example for other nations in the region looking to develop secure and sustainable energy solutions.
Attendees, including Belgium's Envoy to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, observed that the cooperation project had not only reinforced regulatory structures but also deepened international partnerships focused on advancing nuclear safety and sustainable development within Nigeria.
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