The International Atomic Energy Agency on Wednesday expressed worry over the interests and influence by different entities and public sector officials on the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority.
It, therefore, called on the Federal Government to ensure that the NNRA was effectively independent and functionally separate from all the entities that could influence its decision-making process.
Speaking at an event to mark the conclusion of its 10-day mission to assess the regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety in Nigeria, the IAEA’s integrated regulatory review service team of experts said the NNRA was a committed regulatory body but had challenges that were related to its independence in implementing regulatory decisions and activities.
The NNRA is the body responsible for nuclear regulatory oversight in Nigeria.
The Director, IAEA Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety, Peter Johnson, said during the team’s mission, members observed regulatory activities and held interviews and discussions with the Federal Government and the NNRA management and staff.
He stated that the 12-member team also visited the Abuja National Hospital, a gamma irradiation facility and the Centre for Energy Research and Training.
Reading out the recommendations put together by the experts, Johnson said, “The Nigerian government should establish a national policy on safety and ensure that the corresponding legal framework is in line with the IAEA safety standards.
“The government should ensure that the NNRA is effectively independent and is functionally separate from entities having responsibilities or interests that could influence its decision-making.”
He added, “The NNRA should carry out an analysis of all competencies needed to cover its responsibilities, and develop and implement a human resource and training plan.
“The regulatory body should ensure that all facilities and activities have a valid authorisation, and establish and implement an enforcement policy to respond to non-compliance. It should consider formalising cooperation with other authorities having responsibilities related to safety.”
Source: Punch
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