Biosafety Agency Moves to Ensure Bio-Security in Nigeria

The Nigerian Governmnet has put in place measures to ensure that bio-security is achieved in the country.

The Director General of the National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA, Dr Rufus Ebegba stated this  in Abuja the Nation’s capital, at a two-day training on Bio-risk  Management.

The training was held in collaboration with Health Security Partners and Bio-Security Engagement Program.

Dr. Ebegba said that Nigeria would stand up to the League of Nations to ensure that the world was protected from harmful biological threats.

“Today is no different from what days we have been organising programs, but today’s program is very key to us, never again, with issues of Bio-threats be a challenge to human endeavor, Nigeria will stand up to the League of Nations to ensure that the world is protected from harmful biological treatments. We are grateful to the World Health Organisation for the role played in the process of developing our National Biosecurity process, a policy and action plan.

“It will not be like one of those policies that does that challenge the national capacity management it is we will deliver with the effect in ensuring that we are together as Nigerians we tell the world that yes, we can protect ourselves,” he stated.

Strengthen the Agency

He said the training program was to strengthen the NBMA, National Biosecurity system.

Dr. Ebegba noted that the Agency would work with Ministry Departments and Agencies that have the mandates to ensure both security in the country.

“The agency will only assist to strengthen those institutions and also to encourage them to perform maximally to be able to ensure that we are protected from malicious use of harmful biological agents. The process is just starting we will be convocating a National Conference very soon on how to implement National Biosecurity Policy.” Dr Ebegba added.

Minister of State for Health, Mr Joseph Ekumankama, said the Federal Ministry of Health, relevant Parastatals under the Ministry will be actively involved in the implementation of the Biosecurity policy, whose overall aim is the attainment of a bio secured nation Nigeria.

“ I want to use this opportunity to encourage every stakeholder to be part of this next phase, contribute their quarter towards achieving the objectives of the national Biosecurity policy and action plan. Furthermore, capacity building as training of officers cannot be overemphasized in the effective management and implementation of this policy,” he stated.

Mr Ekumankama said the training would help bring about the effectiveness and comprehensive biosecurity to prevent authorised possession of laws thefts, misuse, diversion, or intentional release of biological agents.

Provide Mentorship

Director of Scientific Programs, Health Security Partners, Dr. Prasad Kuduvalli, said the workshop is to bring together national and international experts to provide mentorship technical assistance and grants to strengthening and help institutions build their capacity in bio risk management.

He said, “It’s a journey of partnership class that is just beginning we are hoping to do more together in supporting Biorisk management in Nigeria.”

A Senior Program Advisor with the US Department of State’s Biosecurity Engagement Programme, Dr. Kirsten Weand said the training will help in dealing with organisms that can be infectious that can cause harm to human health and to the environment.

“I congratulate Nigeria on recognising and prioritising this, earlier this year, the Nigerian Biosecurity Policy and Action Plan was launched, which outlines Nigeria’s goals through 2026 to strengthen Biosafety, Biosecurity in the country, implementation of good biosafety, biosecurity and bio risk management practices.

“Although promoted and supported at the government level, it is dependent on the actions that institutions themselves make. Many of you here today are leaders at these institutions, institutional leadership support is crucial, not only for the development of virus management strategies and frameworks, but also for the successful implementation and sustainment of these programs,” Dr Kirsten added.

Confidence Okwuchi