To curb the perennial electricity supply challenges in the country, the federal government has said that it is exploring opportunities in nuclear power generation.
Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Dr. Usman Idris, who spoke when the organisation paid a courtesy visit to the national commission, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), stated that the move will considerably reduce the power deficit in the country.
The DG/CEO NNRA, who was represented by the General Manager, Radiological Safety, Dr. Isa Sambo, explained that all avenues were being explored to ensure that Nigeria’s power supply problems are quickly resolved.
“Nigeria is working towards developing a nuclear power plant for electricity generation and therefore, there is need for the NNRA to explore all opportunities for capacity building,’’ he stated.
Idris reiterated the mandate and activities of the NNRA, starting from regulating the possession and use of radioactive material in the country throughout the entire value chain. He said the sole aim of the entire regulatory process was to protect human life, environment and property from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.
Idris added that the NNRA has over the years worked closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the aspect of regulation, stressing that the relationship has been cordial and fruitful. He disclosed that the visit was part of the commission’s effort to build capacity of staff in the regulation of nuclear technology development, with a view to enhancing the overall competence of the NNRA staff.
He noted that the agency was strengthening relationship with other government bodies for capacity building of staff in order to enhance their competence in addition to exploring the opportunity for research and fellowship provided by the UNESCO for Nigerians.
In his comment, the Secretary General of UNESCO, Mr. Olagunju Idowu, appreciated the team for encouraging partnership and affirmed that UNESCO’s focus is to ensure that citizens benefit from its enormous opportunities.
He assured NNRA of the organisation’s readiness to collaborate with it in the interest of the nation.
Meanwhile, the NNRA has restated its commitment to ensuring safety in the workplace, in commemoration of World Safety Day with the Association for Occupational Safety and Health of Nigeria (OSHA).
OSHA is an independent academy and professional institution with global and regional chapters dedicated to supporting individuals and corporate organisations around the world in achieving zero accident at the workplaces.
Speaking after the inauguration of committee members from various ministries, private organisations, health and safety advocates and ambassadors to help push for maximum safety in the society, NNRA Manager, Information and Protocol , Mrs Ekaette Bassey, stated that the agency would continue to ensure protection of life, health, property and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.
The event focused on promoting safety consciousness in workplaces, homes, schools, markets and other public places with the ultimate goal of achieving significant reduction in the occurrence of accidents and fatalities in the country.
