The Ministry for Health and Social Welfare says it is intensifying its efforts to address public concerns over genetically modified (GM) organisms by fostering stronger collaboration among key agencies to ensure food safety and boost public confidence.
A pivotal meeting held on Monday in Abuja brought together Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Director-general of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Agnes Asagbra and director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
Science Nigeria reports that GM technology involves inserting DNA into the genome of an organism. To produce a GM plant, new DNA is transferred into plant cells, which are then grown in tissue culture to develop into plants. The seeds produced by these plants inherit the new DNA.
Alausa emphasisd the importance of consistent communication among government agencies to alleviate public fears about GM foods. He highlighted the necessity of a collaborative approach, supported by extensive scientific evidence, to ensure the safety of GM foods.
“This collaborative effort between NBMA and NAFDAC is expected to enhance the regulatory framework for GM foods in the country,” said Alausa. “It will also ensure that public health concerns are addressed with the highest standards of scientific integrity.”
Asagbra commended the minister’s initiative and underscored the historical collaboration between NBMA and NAFDAC, referencing a memorandum of understanding established in 2017. She noted that no GM food permits are issued without NAFDAC’s involvement and called for enhanced cooperation to ensure food safety.
Adeyeye clarified that her previous remarks on GM foods were misunderstood, reaffirming NAFDAC’s commitment to rigorous safety standards. She stated that no GM foods would be approved without thorough scientific safety assessments.
Key resolutions from the meeting, as reported by Science Nigeria, include the establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG) between NBMA and NAFDAC, the development of terms of reference for the TWG and the setup of a secretariat. Additionally, applicants will be referred to NBMA prior to processing by NAFDAC. Continued collaboration on risk assessment and GM food labeling, as well as enhanced capacity building and training exchanges, were also agreed upon. Joint efforts in IT and global listing initiatives were highlighted.
The meeting marked a significant step towards unified governance in food safety and public health in Nigeria. Both agencies remain committed to ensuring that scientific evidence guides their actions, fostering public trust in food safety regulations.
“By working together, we reaffirm our commitment to science, environmental protection and safeguarding the health of the nation,” they stated.
