In a strategic move to enhance safety and oversight in the extractive industry, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), has announced its readiness to collaborate with the Cross River State Government to standardize and sanitize mining activities across the State.
The Operational Head of the NNRA, Mrs. Ememobong Essien, disclosed the agency’s position during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Ntufam Effiom-Ekaha Otu, at his office in Calabar.
Mrs. Essien emphasized that the visit was primarily centered on the need for synergy in monitoring mining operations, particularly regarding Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). These materials are often unearthed during mineral exploration and require specialized handling to prevent health risks.
She called for the Commissioner’s full cooperation to ensure the industry meets global benchmarks.
The partnership aims to ensure that mining operations in Cross River adhere to international safety standards, protecting both the environment and the health of host communities.
"Our mandate is to regulate all activities involving ionizing radiation," Mrs. Essien stated. "The agency will deploy all available resources to ensure that safe and standard practices are strictly enforced."
She further highlighted that working closely with the State Ministry of Mineral Resources is essential for identifying and managing radiological risks within the State’s burgeoning solid minerals sector.
In his response, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Ntufam Effiom-Ekaha Otu, welcomed the initiative.
He noted that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, is firmly committed to sanitizing the mining sector and it's operations.
The Commissioner assured the federal delegation of his full cooperation, emphasizing the State's priority in protecting its ecosystem and populace from hazardous substances and unregulated mining practices.
He assured the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) of the state’s commitment to the mandatory profiling of all mining entities. This initiative is for the purposes of documentation and identification of their operational status for peace and security within the sector, ensuring that only authorized operators are permitted to function in accordance with Federal government regulations and the Cross River State Executive Order No 1of 2024
He pledged his full support for the initiative and urged the office to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to ensure seamless operations.
Amarachi Eneji
