Development of Nigerian Nuclear Security Detection Architecture (NSDA): Current Activities and Future Actions

The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) was established by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act 19 (Act) of 1995. By the Act, the NNRA is to ensure protection of life, health and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, while allowing beneficial practices involving exposure to ionizing radiation. The use of radioactive material predates the establishment of the NNRA, hence the concern for legacy and orphan radioactive sources in the country. Furthermore, during the early days of the NNRA, Nigeria recorded loss of control incidences involving radiological material. This prompted the development of the Nigeria Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources Regulations in 2006. Through the assistance of the IAEA and European Union, Nigeria in 2009 installed a Radiation Monitor Portal (RPM) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Export Terminal for detection and prevention of illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive material. However, several challenges were encountered in the operation of the RPM. Additionally, Nigeria purchased three RPMs which were never installed. These challenges could be traced to the absence of approved NSDA for Nigeria. Nigeria in 2007 conducted the International Atomic Energy Agency, (IAEA) Verified Inventory and Orphan Source Mission. After the Mission Nigeria developed program for search and secure of orphan and legacy radioactive sources. Nigeria regularly conducts verified inventory of radioactive sources in all licensed facilities. In all these, it has been realized that effective collaboration with all the relevant stakeholders is key and the need for detection through information alert has been recognized. It was on this premise that Nigeria in collaboration with the IAEA hosted a preparatory meeting in October 2017 with all the relevant Stakeholders in Nigeria. Nigeria finally participated in the IAEA Regional Workshop to Build Roadmap for the Establishment of National Nuclear Security Detection Architecture (NSDA). One of the outcome of the Regional Workshop was for Nigeria to develop a Draft NSDA involving all the relevant stakeholders. The objectives of this paper therefore, are to discuss the challenges that were encountered in the operation of the installed RPM; the inability to install the three RPM that were procured by Nigeria and discuss the current activities which will lead to the development of NSDA and the role of national stakeholders in the implementation of effective NSDA. (author)