Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has detected unauthorised activities involving genetically modified (GMO) cotton and ordered the immediate suspension of four new transgenic cotton hybrid varieties, citing serious regulatory breaches.
The varieties in question—MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, and BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002—were registered on March 26, 2026, by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries without NBMA’s required approval under the National Biosafety Management Act 2015 (as amended).
NBMA’s surveillance revealed that confined field trials and other activities involving these GM cottons occurred without prior authorization, inspection, or oversight. “At no time did the National Biosafety Management Agency grant any approval for the confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or commercial release of these new GM cotton varieties,” the agency stated in a public notice.
The NBMA Act strictly prohibits such actions without explicit approval from the relevant agency, making these developments a clear violation of national biosafety regulations. In response, NBMA has directed the National Committee to halt all further registration and release efforts pending ongoing investigations. Appropriate sanctions will follow as per the law.
While assuring the public of no immediate risks to health or the environment, NBMA emphasized its commitment to enforcing compliance. “The Agency is handling this matter with all seriousness,” it said, promising updates as probes continue and reaffirming dedication to international best practices in biotechnology.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s GMO regulation, where cotton remains a key cash crop vital to the economy. Farmers and stakeholders await a resolution to avoid disruptions in seed availability and agricultural planning.
