Federal Government and Cross River State Launch Strategic Partnership to Regulate Mining and Manage Radioactive Risks

The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority and Cross River State partner to manage radioactive materials and sanitize mining activities for public safety.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 5:37 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Punch

NNRA and State Ministry Align to Standardize Extractive Operations

The Federal Government, represented by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, has announced a comprehensive partnership with the Cross River State Government to standardize mining activities across the state’s mineral-rich communities. During a high-level courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Mineral Resources in Calabar on March 23, 2026, the NNRA emphasized the urgent need for enhanced oversight. This move is designed to ensure that the exploration of solid minerals does not come at the expense of environmental integrity or the health of host populations, marking a shift toward a more regulated and safety-conscious mining sector.

Managing Radiological Hazards in Mineral Exploration

A primary focus of the new synergy is the specialized handling of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials, which are frequently unearthed during large-scale mineral exploration. Ememobong Essien, the Operational Head of the NNRA, explained that the agency’s mandate includes the regulation of all activities involving ionizing radiation. By deploying federal resources to monitor these materials, the partnership aims to prevent long-term health risks associated with unregulated exposure. The NNRA has pledged to strictly enforce global benchmarks, ensuring that mining entities in Cross River adhere to rigorous international safety protocols.

Governor Otu’s "People’s First" Agenda Targets Mining Sanitation

In response to the federal initiative, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Ntufam Effiom-Ekaha Otu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to cleaning up the sector. He noted that under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu and the administration's "People’s First" agenda, Cross River is prioritizing the protection of its ecosystem from hazardous substances. The state government views the sanitization of mining operations as a critical component of its broader environmental and social welfare strategy, aiming to eliminate unregulated and dangerous practices that have historically plagued the industry.