Enugu Govt, NNRA partner on radiation safety in health facilities

The Enugu State Government has partnered with the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) to strengthen radiation safety standards in health facilities across the state.

The collaboration was announced on Wednesday during the 2026 Stakeholders’ Meeting on Radiation Safety held in Enugu.

Speaking at the meeting, the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said the state government was committed to ensuring that radiative equipment used in hospitals complied with national safety regulations.

He said the administration of Governor Peter Mbah was prioritising safety in healthcare delivery alongside ongoing investments in the sector.

“For Enugu State Government, we strive to get the best for our people and today’s stakeholders’ meeting is to support the huge investment in healthcare delivery of our health-loving Governor, Dr Peter Mbah,” Ugwu said.

“We want all health facilities and radiographers operating within the state to abide with NNRA guidelines and standards of radiative safety.

“In Enugu State, protection and safety of lives in all its ramifications, including radiative safety, remains paramount,” he added.

The commissioner disclosed that the state’s 300-bed international hospital, expected to begin operations soon, had already received seven state-of-the-art medical equipment which had undergone inspection and certification by the NNRA.

Earlier, the Director-General of the NNRA, Dr Yau Idris, commended the Enugu State Government for prioritising quality healthcare and safety standards.

Represented by the Acting South-East Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Rev. Sis. Chioma Nwankwo, Idris said the NNRA remained committed to protecting Nigerians from the dangers of ionising radiation.

“We live in an era where radiation technology is a cornerstone of modern medicine, such as cancer radiotherapy and others,” he said.

He called for stronger regulatory compliance, collaborative training, workforce development and the integration of radiation protection into quality healthcare systems.

“The goal of a safe, effective and justified use of radiative equipment is a shared responsibility by everyone,” he said.

“Let us commit today to a culture of compliance — not because we fear the regulatory authority, but because we value the patients, workers, public, environment and our future.”

The meeting also featured technical presentations by NNRA officials on radiation protection, regulatory procedures and the agency’s mandate.

Participants, including radiographers from private, mission, federal and state-owned health facilities, pledged to uphold NNRA safety standards in their professional practice.

The stakeholders’ meeting was organised by the Enugu State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the NNRA.