In response to growing public concerns about genetically modified (GM) foods, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have moved to strengthen collaborations to ensure better bate-keeping and the safety of citizens.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa convened a crucial meeting with the director-general/CEO of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra and director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
The minister stressed the importance of ongoing communication among government agencies to alleviate public fears. He highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to addressing safety concerns related to GM foods, citing extensive scientific evidence supporting their safety.
The NBMA’s Asagbra expressed gratitude to the minister for organising the meeting and highlighted the long-standing collaboration between NBMA and NAFDAC, including a memorandum of understanding established in 2017. She emphasised that no GM food permits are issued without NAFDAC’s involvement and called for strengthened cooperative efforts to ensure food safety.
NAFDAC’s Adeyeye clarified that her previous remarks on GM foods were misunderstood, reiterating NAFDAC’s commitment to rigorous safety standards. She assured that no GM foods would be approved without thorough scientific safety assessments.
A joint statement, co-signed by the trio, key resolutions for the meeting were outlined thus:
1. Establishing a technical working group (TWG) between NBMA and NAFDAC.
2. Developing terms of reference for the TWG and setting up a secretariat.
3. Referring applicants to NBMA prior to processing by NAFDAC.
4. Continuing collaboration on risk assessment and GM food labeling.
5. Enhancing capacity building and training exchanges.
6. Joint efforts in IT and global listing initiatives.
The meeting aimed to reinforce collaboration between the two agencies, ensuring a unified message on food safety. It marks 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.
The DGs stated, “By working together, we reaffirm our commitment to science, environmental protection, and safeguarding the health of the nation.”
