The new Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Bello Bawa Bwari, has pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s biosafety framework, promote innovation, and deepen transparency in the regulation of modern biotechnology.
Bwari officially assumed duty on Monday at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja, where he was warmly received by management and staff.
In his inaugural address, he commended the dedication and professionalism of NBMA personnel, acknowledging the Agency’s achievements in ensuring the safe application of biotechnology in Nigeria.
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“I am here to build on what my predecessors established,” Bwari said. “The NBMA has a strong foundation, and together, we will strengthen our mandate, promote innovation, and ensure that Nigeria remains a leader in biosafety management across Africa. Staff welfare will remain a top priority because a motivated workforce is essential for effective service delivery.”
He also pledged to deepen stakeholder engagement, enhance transparency in regulatory processes, and strengthen public trust in the Agency’s work.
Bwari, a seasoned administrator and legal professional with extensive experience in environmental law and institutional development, succeeds Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra.
According to officials, his appointment marks a new phase in NBMA’s drive to safeguard human health and the environment from risks associated with genetically modified organisms and emerging biotechnologies.
The management and staff expressed optimism about the new leadership and their commitment to advancing NBMA’s vision of a safe, sustainable, and biotechnology-driven Nigeria.
