Delta govt willing to partner NNRA on radiation
By Emma Arubi
WARRI — DELTA State Government has restated its willingness to partner with the Nigerian Nuclear Regulator Authority, NNRA, as the state is home to a large contingent of operators, using ionising radiation in the oil and gas industry.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara, gave the assurance while declaring open a three-day national training course for Radiation Safety Officers in the oil and gas industry, organised by the National Institute of Radiation Protection and Research and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority in conjunction with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, Vienna, in Warri, Delta State.
Dr. Otumara said the state government was committed to supporting the activities of the NNRA in the Niger Delta region to ensure the protection of lives, property and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.
He said with all the hospitals in the state having at least one conventional X-ray machine coupled with the array of radiological machines, such as fluoroscopy, mammography, computerised tomography and conventional X-ray machines at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, all of which emit ionizing radiation, it could be hazardous if abused.
He added that the state government had instituted a comprehensive programme of manpower development in the area of diagnostic Radiology and Radiography, and that the training course was timely as the people need to know more about radiation and its effects, if not properly handled.
Director General/ Chief Executive Officer of NNRA, Prof. Shamsideen B. Elegba in his, disclosed that the main objective of the course is the “promotion of participatory compliance through knowledge and is part of NNRA efforts to create awareness and sensitize radiation workers on the need for the establishment and sustenance of radiation protection programme in the oil and gas industry.
He said the training course is also intended to empower radiation workers to effectively discharge their duties responsibly.
