The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has explained that before any GM food or material is released in the country, it undergoes strict regulatory procedures and scientific scrutiny.
This follows the recent alarm raised by critics of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) over the safety of GM foods.
The Director General of NBMA, Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra while addressing journalists recently, said the mandate of the Agency is to prioritize the safety of Nigerians and the environment.
“Every Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) approved by our Agency undergoes rigorous scientific scrutiny and strict regulatory procedures to ensure it meets the highest safety standards.
“Our regulatory framework is designed to protect you, our citizens the environment and our diverse biodiversity from any potential harm”, she said.
Dr Asagbra noted that the negative statements circulating are not only misleading but lack credible scientific backing.
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She said the critics of the technology aim to spread fear and misinformation.
“We ask these organizations to present verifiable scientific evidence for their claims”, she added.
Furthermore, the NBMA Boss stated that the Agency relies on sound scientific research and internationally recognized protocols to make informed decisions.
“Our mandate is to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment, and we will not compromise on this.
“It is important for the public to understand that without the NBMA, Nigeria could become a dumping ground for unregulated and potentially harmful GMOs and products of biotechnology
“Our Agency is your shield against such dangers, ensuring that only safe and beneficial biotechnology products enter our market.
“Our goal is to foster innovation in a safe and regulated manner, promoting scientific advancements that can improve food security and contribute to sustainable agriculture”, she said.
She however assured the members of House of Representatives who are investigating GMOs of the full cooperation of the agency.
“The NBMA remains transparent and accountable in all its operations.
“We invite you to review our processes and the rigorous evaluations each GMO product undergoes before approval.
“We are confident that our procedures meet global standards and are in the best interest of Nigerians.
“Nigerians, we stand at a crossroads where we must choose between progress and fear. Biotechnology offers us tools to address food security challenges, increase productivity, and combat climate change.
“We urge you to trust in the rigorous processes and dedicated efforts of the NBMA to protect and improve our lives and to always forward your suggestions, complaints and observations to the NBMA.
“The NBMA is committed to promoting scientific literacy and the acceptance of innovation. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our regulatory approaches are transparent, science-based, and in the best interest of Nigeria”, she added.
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