The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has affirmed its dedication to implementing a comprehensive safety and health security policy, aiming to fortify Nigeria’s status as a more secure nation.
The director-general of NBMA, Dr. Agnes Asagbara made this commitment during the inaugural meeting of the National Advisory Council on Biosecurity (NACB) and the National Technical Working Group on Biosecurity (NTWGB) held in Abuja.
Asagbara acknowledged the honour and responsibility vested in the agency to implement a robust safety and security policy, assuring stakeholders and development partners of her unwavering commitment to actualising this policy for the greater security of the nation. She underscored the significance of cooperation, tenacity and commitment to advancing Nigeria in various critical areas, including security, food security, animal health and the environment.
The director-general also inaugurated two crucial committees – the technical committee and the advisory committee – expressing optimism that their efforts would significantly contribute to the success of the safety and health security policy, garnering global recognition for Nigeria’s achievements.
National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu who serves as chairman of the National Biosecurity Advisory Committee, stressed the importance of national security, especially in coordinating security matters. He emphasised the commitment of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to fulfilling its responsibilities within the committee, acknowledging the evolving nature of donor partnerships.
Permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment and chairman of the National Technical Working Group (NTWG), Mahmud Kambarlin highlighted the collaborative effort required to implement and achieve the objectives of the new policy. He urged partners to organise training sessions to ensure a thorough understanding of the policy’s intricacies among committee members.
Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr. Aminu Garba acknowledged the commitments made at the 2021 COVID-19 Summit conference, specifically regarding support for and strengthening of the National Biosecurity Management Agency. He emphasised the importance of development partners fulfilling promises and contributing to the implementation of the biosecurity policy and action plan over the next five years in Nigeria.
Acting director of the biosecurity department at NBMA, Dr. Agha Ukpai Agha highlighted the comprehensive nature of biosecurity issues across various ecosystems in the country, underscoring the need for effective facilitation and collaboration to address them.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, government representatives and development partners, marking a significant step forward in Nigeria’s commitment to health security and development through a comprehensive biosecurity policy and action plan.
