National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, Uyo
The Niger Delta region youths have called for a partnership with the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).
This is as a result of concerned about the escalating harmful physical and radioactive pollution in the region.
The aim is to enforce compliance with global safety standards to protect workers, the ecosystem, and the general public from dangers posed by these pollutants, particularly those arising from the activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs).
The National Secretary of the Niger Delta Youth Council of Nigeria, Ambassador Patrick Akpanetoh, made this appeal during a presentation on public health concerns at the Akwa Ibom State operational base of the NNRA on Thursday, August 30th.
Akpanetoh highlighted the severe impact ionized substances and radioactive materials, released by oil exploration and other extractive industries, have had on host communities.
He emphasised the urgent need for the enforcement of relevant regulatory and statutory laws to ensure that global best practices are not only adopted but also rigorously applied.
Akpanetoh also stressed the importance of protecting workers in these high-risk industries.
He urged the federal agency to take immediate steps to ensure that workers are provided with the necessary safety equipment and insurance coverage.
“The health and safety of those directly exposed to these hazardous substances cannot be compromised,” he stated.
“It is essential that we adopt and enforce international standards to safeguard our people and our environment.”
Reacting, the Head of Operations at the NNRA, Mrs. Ememobong Essien, expressed her gratitude to the youth group for their patriotism and their concern for public health. She assured them that the agency is committed to carrying out its duties diligently.
“We will ensure that any company using equipment that emits harmful substances without meeting global standards will have its license withdrawn,” Essien declared.
She also promised to forward the group’s requests to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Ambassador Akpanetoh was accompanied by the State Chairman of the Niger Delta Youth Council of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom Chapter, Itoro Joshua, along with several other representatives.
