ASHENEWS reports that the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has pledged to cooperate with the House of Representatives in its ongoing probe into genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria.
The agency, in a statement, said that it respects the House of Representatives taking note of the proposed investigation by the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services and would provide the relevant information to the House.
This, it said is 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 serve the interests of Nigerians better.”
The NBMA said that it is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens through the development, introduction, and responsible use of 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 Organization (WHO) and the Convention on Biological Diversity.”
According to the NBMA, the agency ensures that any GMO developed or introduced undergoes a comprehensive safety assessment before it is approved for use in Nigeria, in line with the NBMA Act.
“This process 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 is done by NBMA’s National Biosafety Committee (NBC) and its Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) composed of experts from the various relevant Agencies and the Academia, namely National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), National Agricultural Seed Council (NASCs), universities, research institutions among others.“
The NBMA stressed that it recognises the importance of transparency and public engagement.
It added that it adopts public consultations and awareness programs as part of its operations to ensure that the voices of Nigerians are heard and considered.
“The Agency regularly engages with stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, civil society organizations, and the public, to provide information and address concerns regarding GMOs,” the NBMA said.
It therefore assured all Nigerians that it remains dedicated to its mandate of safeguarding their health and environmental integrity while also ensuring that the benefits of modern biotechnology are harnessed safely and responsibly.
