The Executive Director of the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS), Dr. Lars van Dassen, has paid a strategic courtesy visit to the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, signaling plans to deepen cooperation on nuclear safety, training, and regulatory governance across West Africa.
During the high-level engagement, both parties explored collaborative opportunities to enhance the secure and responsible use of nuclear technology for development purposes. Focus areas discussed included critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable energy — industries where nuclear applications hold significant potential for transforming lives in the region.
The visit reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to regional capacity building and promoting responsible technological innovation in alignment with its Vision 2050, which emphasizes human security, sustainable growth, and resilience through modern infrastructure and policies.
Discussions also addressed the need for specialized training programs, policy harmonization, and the secure management of radioactive materials, particularly in non-industrial and non-defense contexts. This proactive approach aims to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and strengthen West Africa’s readiness for emerging technologies.
The meeting marked a pivotal step towards establishing a long-term partnership between ECOWAS and WINS, reinforcing the region’s leadership role in advancing nuclear security standards and harnessing peaceful nuclear applications for socio-economic development.
