NBMA reassures commitment to safe, transparent GMO practice

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has restated its commitment 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.

Nigeria is also a party to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (UNCBD), having ratified the Convention in 1992 and further ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2003.

In a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations of the NBMA, Gloria Ogbaki, it was said that, 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, according to NBMA, 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, according to the statement, is done by NBMA’s National Biosafety Committee (NBC) and its Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), composed of experts from the various relevant agencies and academia, namely the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASCs), universities, and research institutions, among others. This ensures that the regulatory oversight of GMOs by the 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 better serve the interests of Nigerians.

“Additionally, NBMA operates with the same regulatory rigour 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,” the statement added.

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