By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
Participants at a one-day public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Science and Technology yesterday described as a welcome development, moves by the red chamber to strengthen the powers of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission for effective performance.
Representatives of public agencies and private establishments gathered on the occasion, to make their contributions to the proposed Law.
They said the two proposed legislation, the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (Repeal and Re-Enactment) 2022 and Nigeria Content in Programmes, Contracts, Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (Establishments) 2023, were timely.
While addressing the participants, the Chairman of the Senate panel, Senator Uche Ekwunife, said there was no better time than now to pass the two bills.
She said the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission Act was enacted 46 years ago, specifically in 1976.
She lamented that there were no legislative steps taken to improve the Commission in line with the realities of global dynamics.
The Senator said, “This Bill, therefore, seeks to repeal the Atomic Energy Commission Act (CAP.N91) Laws of the Federation to streamline its provisions.
“The Bill will make the commission cater for robust implementation of the National Nuclear Programme in line with acceptable international standards following Nigeria’s obligation under relevant international legal instruments.
“It is imperative to note that the repeal of this Act does not in any way intend for negative use of nuclear power such as armament, but mainly for peaceful purposes in the area of nuclear power, medical diagnoses, and others.
“The repeal also intends to make Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission to be able to develop the ways and technical machinery to effectively explore, exploit and harness atomic energy for peaceful applications and sustainable national development.”
Ekwunife added that the proposed legislation would also enable the Commission to “build a world-class institution for the development and peaceful deployment of nuclear technology in all its ramifications for national development in conformity with international best practices”
She said the Commission would also be able to develop a sustainable framework imbued with fundamental elements of a high-safety culture for the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
She said, “The Commission would streamline, harmonise, promote and coordinate research and development activities for capacity building infrastructure development in nuclear technology
“It will also establish the Nigeria Nuclear Waste Management Company to manage issues relating to radioactive.”
On the other hand, she said the second Bill was aimed at harnessing domestic talents and the development of Indigenous capacity in science, technology, and innovation for the promotion and technological Innovation needed to drive national competitiveness, productivity, and economic activities.
She said would invariably enhance the achievement of the nation’s development goal, across all sectors of the economy.
