Imported GMO maize repatriated for lack of authorisation

The Director General/ CEO, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Rufus Ebegba has said that the imported GM maize that was impounded at Apapa Wharf was repatriated back to its country of origin because the importers failed to comply with the NBMA 2015 act.

Dr. Ebegba who stated this while addressing a press conference in Abuja,  noted that, the Agency, after receiving an intelligence report on the arrival of the shipment, worked with the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) to impound the cargo ship, while samples of the maize were collected and analysed.

He noted that scientists from the Agency’s laboratory carried out the analysis while a private laboratory was also commissioned to conduct another analysis and that results from both analyses confirmed that the imported maize seeds were genetically modified.

The DG/CEO encouraged potential business individuals and retailers interested in importing genetically modified products to seek proper approval and recommendation from the Agency before doing so, adding that NBMA has the mandate is to ensure the safety of GM products to both human health and the environment.

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