CULTURAL INFLUENCE ON NUCLEAR SECURITY: A NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE

Year
2015
Author(s)
Hannah Hale - Institute for Nuclear Security, Department of Nuclear Engineering, The University of Tennessee
Yakubu Viva Ibrahim - Centre for Energy Research and Training
Stephen Dahunsi - Institute for Nuclear Security - University of Tennessee
Fareed Yasin - Institute for Nuclear Security - University of Tennessee
Rosalind I. J. Hackett - Department of Religious Studies, University of Tennessee
Abstract
The value of cultural diversity is a dynamic that transcends organizational process and is intrinsically associated with success or failure of any new technology. The world today is faced with increasing effects of climate change and a growing demand for electricity. The number of countries developing the use of nuclear technology to combat this hydra-headed challenge is also increasing. Considering the new wave of terrorism, nuclear security is key to the success of this technology in both developed and nuclear newcomer countries. However, a successful implementation of nuclear security practices is contingent upon an understanding of a country’s ethnic and cultural identities, namely the cultural values, beliefs, and practices that characterize the particular regions of a nation-state. As such, understanding cultural heritage and social will strengthen collaboration regarding the sharing of nuclear security best practices, between developed and newcomer countries, by building trust, communication, decision-making, and judgments of perceived situations. This paper aims to discuss and evaluate those aspects of Nigerian culture that may have an impact on the optimal performance of nuclear security practices in Nigeria. Specifically, this paper will analyze how cultural factors influence the application of best practices, building of nuclear security culture, and the implementation process of a nuclear security infrastructure.