OPENING REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, HIS EXCELLENCY (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PUBLIC HEARING ON THE NUCLEAR SAFETY AND RADIATION PROTECTION ACT (REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT) BILL 2019, HELD ON THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019.
PROTOCOL.
1. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this Public Hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Science and Technology and the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) for the consideration of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of 1995 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2019 (SB.695).
2. Ensuring the safety of nuclear energy generation activities, as well as the protection of citizens worldwide, is of the utmost priority to leaders in our world today. Nuclear disasters such as Chernobyl in 1986, and the more recent Fukushima accident that occurred in 2011, have strengthened the resolve of leaders to safeguard the health and wellbeing of citizens – and ensure their safety – from the hazardous effects of nuclear energy generation and harnessing.
3. It was in recognition of this that the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act of 1995 was enacted, thus establishing the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA). The agency was statutorily responsible for regulating radiological protection and nuclear safety so as to ensure the protection of life, health, property and environment from the harmful effects of radiation.
4. However, in 2018, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) carried out an assessment of the performance and operational framework of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority and highlighted the need for a stronger regulatory framework for the agency in order for it to stay up to date with innovations in the nuclear energy sector. No doubt, improving the regulatory framework would also allow the agency meet its international obligations on the peaceful and safe uses of nuclear technology.
5. It is for this reason, ladies and gentlemen, that we are here today: to evaluate and discuss this Bill seeking to repeal and reenact the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act. I would like to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to Senator Omotayo D. Alasoadura for inviting me to declare open this Public Hearing. I would also like to thank the Committees on Science and Technology, and Petroleum Resources (Upstream) for the work they have done on the Bill, and for the successful realisation of this event.
6. There is no gainsaying the current challenges faced by our country in the power sector. It will interest you to know that Nuclear is one of the European Union’s largest single energy source for power generation. In fact, some of you may be aware that one of the goals government has set in the power sector is to improve the energy mix. What this means is that Nigeria is looking towards other sources of power generation, including nuclear energy, even as it strives to meet the demand for electricity for households and businesses.
7. It is extremely important, therefore, that the legislation that guides the establishment and operations of the statutory nuclear power regulatory body in Nigeria reflects present-day realities; and positions the agency for future innovations in the space, even as nuclear energy begins to play a bigger role in power generation. It in indeed our role as lawmakers to bring existing legislation up to date, with the support of relevant stakeholders such as your good selves gathered here today.
8. Distinguished guests and colleagues, I would like to conclude these remarks by once again welcoming you to this Public Hearing. We do not take for granted your taking the time out to participate at this event and make your views known – so that the eventual law may serve the people optimally. We appreciate your recognition of the continued commitment of the 8th Senate to participatory lawmaking.
9. It is on that note that I hereby formally declare open this Public Hearing on the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2019. I wish you successful deliberations.
Thank you for your attention.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
