The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) reassures Nigerians of its commitment to safe and transparent GMO practices amid legislative review. The agency was established to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens in relation to the development, introduction and responsible use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria. Its actions are guided by the National Biosafety Management Act, 2015 (as amended in 2019) and international biosafety standards and protocols.
The NBMA conducts comprehensive safety assessments on any GMO developed or introduced in Nigeria to ensure they are safe for humans, animals, and the environment. The agency engages with stakeholders and the public through consultations and awareness programs and is open to feedback to continuously improve its processes.
The NBMA respects the House of Representatives and is committed to cooperating with the proposed investigation by the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services. The agency operates with the same regulatory rigor and standards as other leading international biosafety agencies and is dedicated to safeguarding the health and environmental integrity of Nigeria.
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is committed 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. 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. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is party to the United Nations Conventions on Biodiversity (UNCBD) having ratified the Convention in 1992 and further ratified the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety in 2003.
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 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 is done by NBMA’s National Biosafety Committee (NBC) and its Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) composed of experts from the various relevant Agencies and the Academia, namely National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), National Agricultural Seed Council (NASCs), universities, research institutions among others. This ensures that the regulatory oversight of GMOs by NBMA meets strict safety standards and poses no adverse risks to health or the environment.
In discharging its mandate, NBMA recognises the importance of transparency and public engagement. Public consultations and awareness programmes are integral to our operations, ensuring that the voices of Nigerians are heard and considered. The agency regularly engages with stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, civil society organisations and the public, to provide information and address concerns regarding GMOs.
NBMA respects the House of Representatives and takes note of the proposed investigation by the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services. The agency will cooperate through the provision of relevant information to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability in the discharge of its mandate and responsibilities.
The agency is continuously striving to improve its processes and adapt to new scientific developments. We remain open to feedback and are committed to enhancing our regulatory framework to serve the interests of Nigerians better.
Additionally, NBMA operates with the same regulatory rigor and standards as other leading international biosafety agencies, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Australia’s Office of the Gene Technology Regulator and African regulatory agencies such as the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) in Ghana and the National Biosafety Authority in Kenya.
We assure all Nigerians that the NBMA remains dedicated to its mandate of safeguarding the health and environmental integrity of our nation. We encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged with our activities. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of modern biotechnology are harnessed safely and responsibly.
Ogbaki is the head of information and public relations at the National Biosafety Management Agency. She can be reached on ogbakigloria@gmail.com.
