The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has underscored the indispensable role of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) towards ensuring the nation’s food security.
The minister articulated this strategic standpoint during his visit to the agency on January 31, 2024.
Commending the NBMA for its commendable efforts in scientific research and national safeguarding, Lawal stressed the agency’s critical position in attaining the Federal Government’s food security objectives. He encouraged the NBMA to maintain its exceptional commitment to biosafety, positioning itself as a leader not just in the nation but on the continental stage.
During his interaction with the NBMA, Lawal advocated for expanded collaborations, urging the agency to extend its reach to state governments. Recognising the pivotal role of awareness in the successful implementation of biosafety processes, he emphasised the need for a seamless nationwide approach to biosafety.
Addressing the agency’s staff, the minister emphasized the values of punctuality, teamwork, and collaboration. He urged them to work cohesively, echoing the belief that collective efforts yield more effective and productive outcomes.
The director-general of the NBMA, Dr. Agnes Asagbra further elucidated on the agency’s impact in safeguarding human health, plants, animals, and the environment. Stressing the robust legal framework that supports the application of modern biotechnology, Asagbra affirmed that the NBMA creates a conducive environment for both indigenous and foreign scientists.
In her commitment to ensuring safety in modern biotechnology applications, Asagbra reiterated that the NBMA would not relent in its pursuit of securing Nigeria’s food security. The agency’s dedication to maintaining a balance between technological advancements and safety measures reinforces its pivotal role in the nation’s quest for self-sufficiency in food production, a statement by the agency’s head of information and communications, Gloria Ogbaki pointed out.
