The Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako has highlighted the significance of bio-risk management in ensuring the safety of the environment, human health and the nation as a whole.
The minister made these remarks at the opening of a two-day Executive Leadership Training on Bio-risk Management, jointly organised by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and the Health Security Partnership (HSP) in Abuja.
Salako stressed that this training was especially crucial at this time, given the current administration’s strong commitment to biosecurity as an integral component of national safety.
“The training is apt, and it is the responsibility of all leaders to ensure we are well-prepared to address the challenges of bio-risk management in recent times. This training will enable us to collaborate and enhance the security of our nation, which is a primary focus of NBMA,” he stated.
The director-general of the National Biosafety Management Agency, Dr. Agnes Asagbra explained that the agency’s mandate is to ensure the implementation of biosafety and biosecurity measures that safeguard human health, the environment, and the nation.
She underlined that bio-risk management extended beyond theoretical exercises, emphasizing its profound implications for environmental safety, human health, and national security. In today’s ever-changing landscape, the ability to effectively respond to bio-risks defines our resilience and preparedness.
The core objective of the training, according to Asagbra, is to understand the impact of bio-risks on ecosystems, economies, and the overall well-being of the nation. “Therefore, this training aims to empower leaders to grasp the latest scientific advancements, adopt best practices, and explore innovative solutions that strengthen and protect our environment, human health and the nation’s well-being,” she said.
The program manager from Health Security Partners, Rebecca Sherrod lauded the expertise of the National Biosafety Management and all stakeholders. She encouraged everyone to become ambassadors of biosecurity.
Various stakeholders and professionals who were present at the event pledged to implement the curriculum and aspects of biosafety and biosecurity in research activities and institutions.
The two-day training programme – organised to further strengthen the nation’s commitment to biosecurity and bio-risk management – brought together representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), research institutes, academia and stakeholders in the biosafety and biosecurity sector in the country.
