The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing a strict approval process for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and warned that violators of the law will face sanctions.
Mrs. Gloria Ogbaki, Head of Information and Public Relations at the agency, gave the assurance in a statement made available to ASHENEWS on Monday evening. She noted that public debates around the introduction of GMOs into Nigeria had come to the agency’s attention, urging Nigerians to trust the country’s biosafety system.
“No GMO enters or is used in Nigeria without passing through the Agency’s strict, science-based approval process. Any importer or producer found to contravene the NBMA Act will face appropriate sanctions, as the Agency will not hesitate to enforce the law to protect Nigerians, the environment and biodiversity,” she said.
Ogbaki explained that NBMA, established under the NBMA Act of 2015 (amended in 2019), is the competent national authority mandated to regulate the safe use of modern biotechnology and its products.
She stressed that before any GMO can be imported, produced or commercialized in Nigeria, applicants must submit detailed scientific data, risk assessments and safety studies. “Every application undergoes rigorous screening to ensure documents are complete and accurate. In keeping with our transparency mandate, the Agency publishes each application in at least two national newspapers and deposits copies at strategic locations for public review. This 21-day notice allows Nigerians and stakeholders to raise concerns or provide feedback, after which independent experts are brought into the process,” she said.
According to her, applications are reviewed by a National Biosafety Committee and a Technical Sub-Committee made up of scientists from universities, research institutes, professional bodies and relevant government agencies. These committees evaluate molecular biology, toxicology, allergenicity, nutritional impact and potential environmental effects before any decision is made.
“Decisions are based strictly on science. Only GMOs proven to be as safe as their conventional counterparts are approved. Where approvals are granted, they are issued under strict conditions, with post-release monitoring and regular inspections to ensure compliance,” Ogbaki added.
She revealed that quarterly surveillance is conducted, with penalties for breaches including seizure, destruction or repatriation of unauthorised GMOs. She further noted that NBMA’s processes align with global best practices, including standards set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
“Consumer rights are protected. Labelling of GMOs is mandatory by law to safeguard Nigerians’ freedom of choice. Nigeria’s biosafety framework has been recognised across Africa and has served as a model for other countries. NBMA assures Nigerians that no GMO is allowed into Nigeria without passing through the world’s most stringent regulatory processes. Our duty is to protect Nigerians, and we will continue to discharge this mandate with transparency, firmness and scientific integrity,” she said.
