The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA)has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops in Nigeria through acomprehensive post-release monitoring (PRM) framework.
This assurance was emphasised by the director-general, Dr. Agnes Asagbraduring a stakeholder meetingheld on February 12, 2025, to discuss the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for PRM, with a particular focus on TELA Maize.
Asagbra highlighted the agency’s regulatory responsibilities, stressing the need for continued monitoring of GM crops post-commercialisation.
“With every innovation comes responsible regulation. We must ensure that these crops, now planted by farmers nationwide, yield the intended results while maintaining safety for human health, biodiversity, and the environment. Post-release monitoring is not just a regulatory requirement but a scientific and ethical obligation,” she stated.
Also speaking, acting director of biosafety enforcement and operations, Mrs. Hauwa Tahiroutlined the objectives of the meeting, emphasising the need to assess farmers’ experiences with GM crops, evaluate the performance of GM technology and identify challenges post-commercialisation.
A statement by NBMA’s head of information and communications, Gloria Ogbaki explained that the meeting provided a platform for experts, industry representatives and regulatory officialsto discuss the draft SOPs and propose improvements to strengthen thePRM framework.
The agency reaffirmed its open-door policy, encouraging collaboration from all stakeholders to ensure a robust and effective monitoring system.
