The need for Institute of Nuclear Materials Management in Nigeria
INMM is a non-profit technical organization with worldwide membership of engineers, scientists, technicians, managers, policymakers, analysts, commercial vendors, educators, and students. The Institute promotes research and development as well as the practical application of new concepts, approaches, techniques and equipment for managing nuclear materials. As a fundamentally technically-focused organization, the INMM is an invaluable resource […]
INMM is a non-profit technical organization with worldwide membership of engineers, scientists, technicians, managers, policymakers, analysts, commercial vendors, educators, and students. The Institute promotes research and development as well as the practical application of new concepts, approaches, techniques and equipment for managing nuclear materials. As a fundamentally technically-focused organization, the INMM is an invaluable resource for expert assessments and consultation.
INMM is dedicated to the professional quality, ethics, and advancement of its membership. The INMM was formed in 1958 in the USA, and has since grown to a membership of over 1000. It hosts an annual meeting in July which draws a wide attendance for key plenary talks, many sessions of contributed technical presentations, commercial exhibitors, and numerous opportunities for related side meetings. INMM has members in more than 30 countries. The Institute supports 41 professional and student chapters in 14 countries.
The Nigeria chapter was created in 2012 at the 53rd INMM Annual meeting in Orlando, USA by the International Executive Committee through a petition by 7 members. It is worthy to note that the Nigeria chapter is the second regional chapter in Africa after Morocco, which was created in 2011. Following the creation of the professional chapter in Nigeria, a student chapter has also been established at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Strengthening the Nigeria chapter will promote research and academic work in the field of nuclear science and technology in Nigeria and ultimately the critical mass needed in terms of manpower for nuclear power. It will also provide the opportunity to attend international conferences and exchange of knowledge. Membership of the INMM comprises of corporate, individual and students. Nuclear materials management involves the production, use, storage, transport, handling, protection, accounting and other essential aspects involved with the essential elements of the civilian nuclear fuel cycle, most notably, uranium and plutonium.
Water, Food, Energy and Health are corner-stones of modern daily life. They can be protected, provided and preserved through the use of nuclear technology. Access to safe water sources is essential to supporting growing populations, accelerating economic development and meeting the demands of changing lifestyles. Nuclear technology can be deployed to benefit life through food preservation by irradiation, efficient agricultural produce via mutation and soil fertility mapping of arable land.
As the peaceful application of nuclear technology increases around the world, managing nuclear materials in a professional manner is vital for sustainability. This is in tandem with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari with respect to the application of nuclear technology in the country. While welcoming the Iranian Vice President to the State House, the President said, “Nigeria under my leadership will continue to support the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and development only.”
Nuclear security is a concept beyond guns, gates and guards, which entails the prevention, detection and response to malicious acts involving nuclear and radiological materials.
Prof. Jonah (ABU Zaria) is the President, Nigeria Chapter of INMM