Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill

Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

A comprehensive bill to repeal the outdated 1995 nuclear safety law and re-enact a modern, IAEA-aligned legal framework for nuclear and radiation safety regulation in Nigeria, covering nuclear energy, industrial radiation, medical applications, and nuclear security. This bill operates under the authority to repeal the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act of 1995 and re-enact a new framework.

Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) and its regulated entities Hospitals, research institutions, and industries using radioactive sources Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and nuclear energy developers Mining companies and industries exposed to naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM)

Who Does It Target?

The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) as the primary enforcement body. Operators of nuclear facilities, research reactors, and radiation sources. Medical facilities using diagnostic and therapeutic radiation equipment. Industries using radioactive materials in mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Modernise Nigeria's nuclear and radiation safety law to meet current IAEA safety standards Establish a strengthened, fully independent regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety Create the legal basis for Nigeria's nuclear power programme as an energy option Align Nigeria with international obligations under NPT, IAEA safeguards, and CTBT

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: NNRA funded through regulatory fees and federal appropriation

How to Access

Organisations using radioactive sources apply for NNRA licences. Requirements: All facilities with radioactive sources must hold a valid NNRA licence Licence applications require radiation safety officer appointment and safety assessment Annual renewal and inspection mandatory for all licensed facilities Application method: NNRA: www.nnra.gov.ng

Important Terms

Unlicensed use of radioactive sources is a criminal offence attracting imprisonment Nuclear security violations reported to national security agencies under mandatory reporting obligations All radioactive waste must be managed according to IAEA waste management standards

Impact & Metrics

Nigeria has over 500 sources of ionising radiation in medical and industrial use; a modern regulatory framework protects workers and the public from an estimated 2,000+ annual radiation exposure incidents.

Official Resources

Website: www.nnra.gov.ng | www.naec.gov.ng Contact: NNRA — [email protected] | NAEC — [email protected] Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

This bill operates under the authority to repeal the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act of 1995 and re-enact a new framework.