RANDA PROJECT: Nigeria Customs Unveils Bold Initiative to Tackle Nuclear Smuggling

In a groundbreaking move, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed plans to participate in the Radiological and Nuclear Detection Awareness (RANDA) Project, aimed at safeguarding the nation’s security against the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials.

Customs officials, led by CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, announced this strategic initiative during the inauguration of a 4-Day Workshop organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) at the Nigeria Customs College and Doctrine Command Gwagwalada, Abuja on Tuesday, 12 December 2023.

Representing CGC Adeniyi at the workshop, ACG Malanta Yusuf highlighted the significance of the RANDA training, expressing optimism that it would raise the awareness of 25 Customs Frontline Officers on the threats relating to nuclear and other radioactive materials, providing them with the technical knowledge needed to detect radioactive materials out of regulatory control.

According to him, this initiative is expected to enhance cross-border security, exposing participants to operational challenges while fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted roles involved in this innovative approach.

CGC Adeniyi commended the concerted efforts of the Customs leadership, emphasizing the commitment to innovation as a key element in improving the Service’s overall performance. He underscored the importance of training organized by the WCO, ensuring that officers benefit from cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

“We are trying to make sure that such training organized by the World Customs Organization benefits our officers because the Comptroller-General has clearly put significant effort into ensuring that innovation is one of the key elements,” said ACG Malanta Yusuf.

Addressing NCBN Correspondents, CSC Dr Nafiu Abubakar Salihu, the Nigerian Customs Service Radiation Safety Officer, praised the CGC’s approval of the RANDA training.

Dr Salihu highlighted the initiative’s rarity on a global scale, positioning Nigeria as the third country to nationally receive this training.

He emphasized that the program’s significance extends beyond its novelty, foreseeing substantial benefits for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

“The training was truly remarkable, and its benefits will undoubtedly enhance the Nigeria Customs Service capabilities, as it also included a site visit to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, providing the participants the opportunity to observe the procedures and equipment used for the detection of those materials,” affirmed Dr Salihu.

As the Customs Service gears up to tackle nuclear smuggling through cutting-edge techniques, the commendation from a seasoned expert like Dr. Sambo underscores the potential transformative effects of this strategic initiative. It comes at a time where Nigeria is in the phase of creating a Concept of Operations, in collaboration with the IAEA, for the detection of nuclear and other radioactive materials out of regulatory control.

In a post-inauguration interview with Dr. Yau Idris, Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), skillfully represented by Dr. Isa Sambo FSI, the Director of Radiological Safety, hailed the CGC’s timely approval of the training, recognizing its potential to reduce border crimes and enhance the nation’s capability to tackle emerging nuclear threats effectively.

He affirmed that “the move is poised to position Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to secure borders against the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials.”

The workshop, expected to conclude on Friday, December 16, 2023, was organized in collaboration with esteemed international partners, expert trainers from the WCO, the United States Department of Energy’s Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence, and speakers from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism, all playing pivotal roles in shaping the RANDA training.