HighlightWorld News

U.S. partners Nigeria to enhance chemical security

Rockniak said that the US aims to supplement, rather than replace, Nigeria's existing chemical distribution regulations, and that the Responsible Care initiative can enhance and support the country's existing chemical management programmes, ultimately leading to improved performance and safety standards in the industry.

607

The United States has designated Nigeria as a priority country in its efforts to promote global chemical security, recognizing the country’s strategic importance in the quest for a safer and more secure world, free from the threats of chemical weapons and related risks.

Mr. Daniel Rockniak, Senior Director of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a workshop titled, “Promoting Chemical Security for a Safer World.”

He clarified that the Responsible Care initiative, a global programme that promotes sustainable and safe chemical management, has chosen Nigeria as a priority country for implementation, and that the workshop is the start of this cooperative effort.

Rockniak stated that his objective was to engage with key stakeholders involved in chemical distribution, with the goal of exploring strategies for promoting responsible and safe practices in the handling and distribution of chemicals in Nigeria.

He said: “We have seen benefits around the world of a country and industries taking up responsible care and having a programme that identifies specific requirements.”

Rockniak said that the US aims to supplement, rather than replace, Nigeria’s existing chemical distribution regulations, and that the Responsible Care initiative can enhance and support the country’s existing chemical management programmes, ultimately leading to improved performance and safety standards in the industry.

He said that if there were challenges with regulatory processes, responsible care could help fill some of those gaps by using best practices around the world to improve their chemical management.

Dr. Patric Omokpariola, Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), noted that the idea of chemical safety has been a long-standing concern.

He said: “Everyone that has contact with chemicals and chemistry already knows that chemicals are inherently hazardous and dangerous, so we have to be kept in such a way to be safe.”

Omokpariola said that the real concept of chemical security started after Sept. 11, 2021, during the attack on the World Trade Centre.

He stated that NAFDAC has adopted the US chemical security programmes and that the country is currently implementing them.

Omokpariola explained that the concept of chemical safety was developed to ensure that citizens can handle and use chemicals in a way that minimizes risks to their health and the environment, and that the goal is to promote a culture of safe chemical management and use among the general public.

“Chemical security is to keep people safe from the harmful effects of chemicals, while chemical security, on the other hand, is to keep the chemicals safe.”

Omokpariola said that the focus on chemical safety is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to chemicals by malicious individuals and groups, including non-state actors, terrorists, and criminals, who might seek to use them for nefarious purposes, such as manufacturing explosives or chemical weapons, thereby posing a significant threat to public safety and national security.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Just in: ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, others

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...

Just in: INEC presents Certificates of Return to Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa, deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to...

Breaking: Senate sacks Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman  

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct and unacceptable behaviour, the Senate on...

Just in: South Africa takes over G20 Presidency from Brazil, first African nation to lead the bloc

South Africa has taken over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil,...

Tinubu submits 3 INEC REC, federal commissioner-nominees for Senate’s approval

President Bola Tinubu has sent the name of Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner,...