NSCDC Commence Training To Deal With Nuclear Disasters

 The training has commenced of a specialised corps unit aimed at dealing with nuclear disasters should the threat occur in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) released a statement on Saturday, June 20, signed by spokesperson Emmanuel Okeh.

 “The specialised unit [the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Unit], established to tackle emergency situations related to chemical poisoning and nuclear explosions, has also carried out a simulation exercise as part of its operational strategy,” the statement reads.
The simulation, “transportation accident involving a radioactive source,” is designed to prepare officials to react and act accordingly.

 “The Commandant-General of the Corps, Dr Ade Abolurin, has also stressed the importance of the unit, and called for awareness on the destructive tendencies of nuclear energy if not well-managed,” the NSCDC statement read, in part. “We are also doing a lot to sensitise the public on the different dimensions of crime, which now involves the use of chemicals, bombs and other dangerous substances”.

 The exercise was carried out in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nigeria Nuclear and Regulatory Agency, with the IAEA pledging support to Nigeria in terms of provision of operational tools and equipment.

 “We are also ready to partner with relevant stakeholders so as to be able to prevent and tackle any form of chemical, radiological and nuclear disaster in the country,” the NSCDC said.

 According to the Nigerian Ministry of Power and the National Atomic Energy Commission, the first Nigerian nuclear plant is to be constructed and start operating by the year 2026 to generate electricity.