The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has restated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens in relation to the development, introduction and responsible use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria.
In a press statement by the NBMA director-general, Dr. Agnes Asagbra, it was said that, pursuant to the NBMA Act, any GMO developed or introduced undergoes a comprehensive safety assessment before it is approved for use in Nigeria.
This process, according to NBMA, involves scientific evaluations conducted by experts in various relevant fields, including but not limited to public health molecular biology, ecology and toxicology.
The safety assessment review, according to the statement, is done closely with scientific experts, research institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to gather the necessary data and information to make informed decisions regarding the approval of GMOs.
It states further that the primary goal as a regulatory body is to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and ensure food security for all Nigerians, as this is also in line with the presidential mandate on food security. This ensures that the regulatory oversight of GMOs by the NBMA meets strict safety standards and poses no adverse risks to health or the environment.
“In recent times, our Agency has been the target of baseless attacks by anti-GMO organizations. It is crucial that I, as the director-general of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), address these unfounded allegations and reassure the public of our unwavering commitment to your safety.
“Let me begin by emphatically stating that the NBMA was established with your safety as our top priority. Every genetically modified organism (GMO) approved by our agency undergoes rigorous scientific scrutiny and strict regulatory procedures to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. Our regulatory framework is designed to protect you, our citizens, the environment, and our diverse biodiversity from any potential harm.
“The negative statements circulating are not only misleading but lack credible scientific backing. These anti-GMO groups aim to spread fear and misinformation. We ask these organisations to present verifiable scientific evidence for their claims. Our agency relies on sound scientific research and internationally recognised protocols to make informed decisions. Our mandate is to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment, and we will not compromise on this.
“It is important for the public to understand that without the NBMA, Nigeria could become a dumping ground for unregulated and potentially harmful GMOs and products of biotechnology. Our agency is your shield against such dangers, ensuring that only safe and beneficial biotechnology products enter our market. Our goal is to foster innovation in a safe and regulated manner, promoting scientific advancements that can improve food security and contribute to sustainable agriculture.
“To the esteemed members of the House of Representatives who are investigating GMOs, we assure you of our full cooperation. The NBMA remains transparent and accountable in all its operations. We invite you to review our processes and the rigorous evaluations each GMO product undergoes before approval. We are confident that our procedures meet global standards and are in the best interest of Nigerians.
“Nigerians, we stand at a crossroads where we must choose between progress and fear. Biotechnology offers us tools to address food security challenges, increase productivity, and combat climate change. We urge you to trust in the rigorous processes and dedicated efforts of the NBMA to protect and improve our lives and to always forward your suggestions, complaints, and observations to the NBMA.
“As a regulatory Agency, the NBMA follows best international practices in regulating modern biotechnology in Nigeria and its products. We are passionate regarding the approval process and safety protocols involved in this process.
“We want to assure you that the NBMA is committed to upholding strict adherence to due process and scientific protocols when it comes to the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the country. The approval process for GMOs involves thorough scientific assessment, risk analysis, and evaluation of potential impacts on human health, environmental sustainability and food security.
“Our regulatory framework is designed to ensure that all GMOs undergo rigorous safety checks and confined field trials (CFTs) before they are approved to be used in Nigeria or for commercialisation. This includes assessing the potential risks and benefits associated with each introduced gene and consequently each GMO, as well as conducting comprehensive studies to evaluate their safety for human consumption and the environment. Our regulatory process is guided by both national and international scientific protocols.
“In conclusion, the NBMA is committed to promoting scientific literacy and the acceptance of innovation. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our regulatory approaches are transparent, science-based, and in the best interest of Nigeria. We are here to safeguard your health, our environment, and the future of our nation,” the statement added.
The NBMA was established to provide regulatory oversight to ensure that the development, handling, and responsible use of GMOs are safe for humans, animals and the environment.
Its actions are guided by the National Biosafety Management Act, 2015 (as amended in 2019), which is in line with international biosafety standards and protocols, including those of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Nigeria is also a party to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (UNCBD), having ratified the Convention in 1992 and further ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2003.
