Nuclear Safety Radiation Protection Bill Policy Summary

What Is This Bill?

The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2019 (SB 19) is Nigeria's legislative effort to comprehensively modernise and strengthen the national framework governing nuclear safety, radiological protection, and nuclear security. It seeks to repeal the existing Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of 1995 and enact a new, expanded law that reflects international best practices and supports Nigeria's growing nuclear energy ambitions. The Bill reinforces the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) as the independent regulator for all nuclear and radiation-related activities in Nigeria, and introduces updated provisions on nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radioactive waste management, and civil liability in line with current IAEA standards and Nigeria's international treaty obligations.

Who Does It Target?

The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) and its Governing Board Operators and licensees of nuclear facilities, research reactors, and radiation installations Medical, industrial, and research institutions using ionizing radiation sources Uranium and thorium exploration and mining companies Entities involved in the packing, transport, and disposal of radioactive materials and waste Federal Government agencies involved in nuclear policy, energy, science, and defence International partners and IAEA in relation to Nigeria's safeguards and non-proliferation obligations

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Repeal the outdated 1995 Act and enact a modern, comprehensive nuclear regulatory law aligned with IAEA safety standards and international conventions Strengthen the NNRA as an independent, well-resourced regulatory authority with clear institutional mandate across safety, security, and safeguards Establish a robust licensing and authorisation framework for all nuclear and radiation-related practices Protect human health, property, and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation Support Nigeria's nuclear power programme by providing the regulatory infrastructure needed to attract and govern nuclear energy investment Fulfil Nigeria's international obligations under the NPT, IAEA Safeguards Agreements, and other nuclear security conventions Expand the mandate of the National Institute of Radiation Protection and Research to build domestic nuclear expertise

Key Features

Current Status

Legislative Stage: Bill introduced in the 9th Senate; First Reading: 08/10/2019; Second Reading: 03/03/2020; referred to the Senate Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Science and Technology Predecessor Law: The 1995 Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act (No. 19 of 1995) remains the operative statute until the re-enactment Bill is passed; the Act established the NNRA which has been functioning since 1995 NNRA Operations: The NNRA has issued subsidiary regulations including the Radioactive Sources Regulations (2006), Nuclear Safety Regulations, and Safeguards Regulations — many of which draw authority from the 1995 Act Nuclear Power Programme: Nigeria's nuclear energy programme has been progressing under the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC); the updated regulatory framework is necessary to govern any future nuclear power plant construction and operation Public Hearings: The revised Bill incorporating nuclear safety, security, and safeguards provisions has undergone public hearings and is awaiting final passage by the National Assembly IAEA Cooperation: Nigeria is an IAEA member state with Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements in force; the new law is designed to fully operationalise these obligations domestically

How to Access

Nuclear Facility Operators: Apply for licences and authorisations through the NNRA; compliance with all safety, security, and safeguards requirements is mandatory under the existing 1995 Act pending new legislation Medical & Industrial Users: Register premises where ionizing radiation sources are kept and obtain the required authorisations from the NNRA for possession, use, and disposal Researchers & Academics: Engage the National Institute of Radiation Protection and Research for technical guidance, training, and information on radiation protection standards Investors in Nuclear Energy: Liaise with the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and the NNRA to understand the regulatory requirements for nuclear power plant development Contact: Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA): nnra.gov.ng | Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC): naec.gov.ng | National Assembly: nass.gov.ng

Important Terms

Impact & Metrics

Nigeria is one of Africa's most active countries in nuclear energy planning — the regulatory modernisation is essential to operationalise any future nuclear power capacity The 1995 Act has been operational for nearly 30 years; the re-enactment addresses significant regulatory gaps including nuclear security, civil liability, and nuclear power plant oversight NNRA has issued over 10 categories of subsidiary regulations since 1995, all of which derive authority from the parent Act — the re-enactment provides a more robust legal foundation Nigeria's compliance with IAEA standards and NPT obligations depends on a modern, comprehensive domestic nuclear law — passage of this Bill is a prerequisite for advancing the national nuclear power programme Medical, industrial, and research radiation use across Nigeria's hospitals, universities, and oil sector requires consistent, enforceable regulatory oversight provided by an updated legal framework

Official Resources

Website: nnra.gov.ng | naec.gov.ng | nass.gov.ng Bill Document: Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2019 (SB 19) — available via the National Assembly of Nigeria Contact: Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Abuja Summary prepared using the Policy Summary Template | Source: NS&RP Act No. 19 of 1995; Senate Bill Progression Chart (9th Senate); NNRA; IAEA; Nuclear Business Platform | February 2026

Legal Framework

The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Bill, when enacted, would replace the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act and operate under the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) Act. It would domesticate Nigeria's obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the IAEA Convention on Nuclear Safety, and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards Series provide the primary technical regulatory framework.